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Public Outreach and Project Implementation for Water Sustainability

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Evanston Water Utility

• Service Population = 360,000 (wholesale + retail)• Retail Population = 74,000 (retail – Evanston)• Average Daily Flow = 40 mgd• Max Rated Capacity = 108 mgd

Background

• City of Evanston has approximately 750 employees

• Utilities Department has approximately 56 employees

• Sustainability Division has 2 employees

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Staff Interested in Water Outreach = 4

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Why Do Outreach and Sustainability Activities?

• Chance for positive communication with customers

• Raise awareness of water issues• Bolster community pride in water

It’s the right thing

to do!

Challenges• Need Buy-In From Management

• Not enough staff

• Need an audience

• Lack of funding

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Get an approved

plan!Leverage others!

Piggyback on other programs

Use alternate sources

Overview of the Water Efficiency Plan Implementation

• This project was possible only through a grant and staff resources provided by CMAP. Take advantage of this great resource!

• Involve the community as much as possible.• Set measurable and attainable goals 6%

reduction in water consumption by 2020.• Adopt cost-effective and community-

appropriate measures to reach our goal.• Approved by City Council!

Increasing Water-Related Information Dissemination

Increasing Water-Related Information Dissemination

Incorporating Sustainable Water Policies into City Departments and Functions

Promoting Communication and Outreach on Water Conservation Measures

Promoting Tap Water and Reducing Bottled Water Use

Reducing Indoor Water Use From Toilets

Reducing Outdoor Water Use

National Drinking Water Week

• Similar Challenges– Plan fun activities– Find an audience– Time to implement– Lack of funding

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National Drinking Water Week –Make New Friends!

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Where to Find an Audience?

Schedule events for “trapped” audiences:• Pre-existing book clubs• Schools• Senior Centers• After-school programs

16Nuala Brennan, 8th Grader, 2013

No Money, No Problem!

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Beach Tokens

Skating Passes

Discount on City

Program

Private Tour of Water Plant

ReusableWater Bottles

+ Recognition

Recognition is Key

Online Voting to Determine WinnersAward Ceremony at City Council MeetingAward PlaquesDisplays of Submissions at Library/Civic Center

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And don’t forget those photo-ops!

Get Everyone Involved!

19Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and Chloe Kahn, 3rd Grader, 2012

2013 Evanston EventsEvent Description Location

Art Contest – 3rd

GradeSubmit 2-D art showing theme. Winners selected via online voting + Mayor’s Choice

Winners displayed at Library

Photo Contest –Middle School

Submissions showing theme. Winners selected via online voting

Winners displayed at Library

Art and Poetry Contests – High School

Submissions showing theme. Winners selected via online voting

Winners displayed at Library

After School Water Crafts

After-school drop-in crafts Ecology Center

Water Olympics After-school drop-in physical fitness Recreation Center

Movie Screening Screening of Liquid Assets, remarks by MWRD Commissioner, Debra Shore

Levy Senior Center

Trivia Contest 1-hour water themed trivia contest Levy Senior Center

Sunset Paddle Canoeing Northshore Canal

Press releases Daily water-themed press releases in Evanston e-news

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Conclusions

• Put your plan on paper – and get it adopted!• Seek out grants• Work with other departments – use their staff

and funding to accomplish mutual goals

Start Small.Dream Big.