Title
PROCLAIM APRIL 2015 AS WATER AWARENESS MONTH
Staff Contact: Craig Johnson, P.E., Director, Water Services
Accepted by: Ms. Isys Leon, Melvin E. Sine School
Accepted by: Ms. Julia Philbrick, Kachina Elementary School
Accepted by: Ms. Anne Stahley, City of Glendale Water Conservation Specialist end
Purpose and Recommended Action
Recommendation
This is a request for City Council to proclaim April, 2015 as Water Awareness Month. This proclamation will be accepted by Ms. Isys Leon, a third, fourth, and fifth grade teacher at Melvin E. Sine School; Ms. Julia Philbrick, a fourth grade teacher at Kachina Elementary School; and Ms. Anne Stahley, City of Glendale Water Conservation Specialist, who are active participants of the city's "Water Watchers" program. Managed by the office of Conservation and Sustainable Living in the Water Services Department, this STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program provides free curriculum, resource materials, and in-class presentations to Glendale area schools.body
Background
April is Water Awareness Month in Arizona, a time to raise awareness on the importance of wise water use in our arid climate. The first Water Awareness Month was proclaimed in April 2008 to recognize water as one of Arizona's most vital and precious resources. The purpose of Water Awareness Month is to encourage water conservation as a lifestyle through community education, action, and celebration.
The Arizona Department of Water Resources is partnering with Arizona cities and other water providers to promote water awareness, conservation, and efficiency. At the center of the initiative is an interactive website (see <http://www.waterawarenessmonth.com/>) serving as a portal for water-saving tips, classes, and events.
The Glendale Water Services Department is offering a variety of programs to promote Water Awareness Month including a free class on April 1, Harvest Rainwater for Happy Plants, at the Glendale Main Library. The class is held in partnership with the Watershed Management Group and will include interactive presentations and a guided tour of the new Rain Garden, located at the Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden.
Community Benefit/Public Involvement
Proclaiming April as Water Awareness month benefits the city and the community by highlighting the importance of water in our daily lives and encouraging residents and businesses to be stewards of Arizona's water resources for present and future generations.