U.S. EPA is looking for Water Efficiency Leaders

Message from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9 (Pacific Southwest): The following announcement is for a nationwide award program recognizing achievement and innovation in water efficiency. Although not an award requirement, we encourage linkage to energy savings.

SAN FRANCISCO - The U.S. EPA is accepting nominations for the 2007 Water Efficiency Leader Awards to recognize organizations and individuals that demonstrate leadership and innovation in water efficient products and practices. Winners will be chosen by a panel of national water experts and based on three criteria: leadership, innovation, and water saved.

The Water Efficiency Leader Awards foster an ethic of water efficiency, which is critical to our economy and quality of life. Water and energy are closely linked: For example, running a hot water faucet for five minutes consumes as much energy as using a 60-watt light bulb for 14 hours. Water efficiency also is supported through WaterSense, a partnership Program sponsored by EPA to educate and offer consumers choices of water-efficient products.

Nominations for the Water Efficiency Leader Awards must be postmarked by August 17, 2007. It is anticipated that the winners will be announced in late fall 2007. Candidates may be organizations or individuals from anywhere in the United States. They may work in either the public or the private sector, and may be self-nominated or nominated by a third party.

Organizations and individuals interested in applying for the 2007 WEL Awards must complete a short application form and provide a one page (single sided) description of the project or activities being nominated. Up to two pages of supporting materials (two single pages or one double sided page) may also be submitted, see application form on the EPA website for details.

For more information please contact Bob Rose, (202) 564-0322, rose.bob@epa.gov, and to enter award nominations go to: http://www.epa.gov/water/wel/2007_application_process.html