The OKC Utilities Department’s water conservation program, Squeeze Every Drop (SED), has been honored with the prestigious WaterSense Excellence in Education and Outreach Award, marking a significant milestone in the department’s endeavor to promote sustainable practices.
This national award, given by WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recognizes SED as an exceptional program, which has become a beacon of outreach and education on water efficiency.
The department’s water conservation team, though comprised of a small group of three, has made a big impact through various innovative strategies and community outreach efforts. In 2023, the team attended 26 events in the Oklahoma City area, teaching residents ways to save water, tips on composting and how to look for WaterSense-labeled products and perform simple repairs like fixing leaks.
They also conducted workshops, including sessions for homeowner associations (HOAs), where they demonstrated sprinkler system maintenance and best practices for outdoor water conservation. Their work also extended to a “Winter Pop-Up” series at local garden centers, where residents learned about water-efficient irrigation.
“This award reflects our community’s growing awareness of water conservation,” Water Conservation Specialist Kelsey Whorton said. “Our goal has always been to empower residents with the knowledge and tools to make water conservation part of their everyday lives. It’s an honor to be recognized at this level, and we’re excited to continue helping residents save water, indoors and out.”
The SED educational program goes beyond just in-person outreach. The team took to social media with dedicated posts promoting WaterSense campaigns, such as “Fix-A-Leak Week” and “Spruce-Up and Save Water Outside.” Their efforts also reached over 240,000 households through flyers in OKC Utilities bills, and they teamed up with partners, including the Salvation Army and local nurseries, for further community engagement.
“This recognition underscores the hard work of our water conservation team and their ability to connect with the community on such a vital topic,” OKC Utilities Director Chris Browning said. “Water conservation is critical to our city’s future, and this award highlights our ongoing commitment to protecting our most valuable resource. Together, we are helping to secure a resilient water future for all of us.”
This award is OKC’s first WaterSense honor and serves as a reminder of the importance of water conservation for the city’s growing population. By continuing to educate residents about water-saving practices and encouraging the use of WaterSense-labeled products, the City is setting the standard for sustainable living.
Source: OKC press release