California’s Save Our Water Campaign Engages Black Business Leaders About Water Conservation

Business Community Wants to Hear and Do More to Conserve 

SACRAMENTO, CA — California’s Save Our Water Campaign today announced the results of its survey of 35 Black chambers of commerce and Black-owned business leaders. The survey was the first step in a statewide effort to listen to leaders in the community, understand the best ways they can conserve water and motivate others to do the same. 

The survey aimed to assess Black business leaders’ knowledge and interest in water conservation and how the campaign could best support their efforts to do their part. As a statewide water conservation program with the goal of making water conservation a way of life for Californians, Save Our Water wants to help make water conservation a way of business, too.

“We are excited to share the results of the survey, which will help us to better understand how to engage Black-owned businesses and business leaders as part of Save Our Water’s statewide effort,” said Ashley Williams, Press Secretary for Save Our Water.

The results show clear evidence that California’s water reality is important to Black business leaders, and they are eager to play a role in disseminating information to their networks and communities about water conservation. 

Key findings revealed that:

  • 92% have not accessed rebates at their place of business to help conserve water
  • 32% were not aware of water-saving measures for small businesses
  • 44% were not aware of rebates offered by their local water agency
  • 84% expressed interest in learning more about water conservation techniques

“The study is a clear indication that we have a big opportunity to work with Black businesses about resources and programs available to them,” said Nefretiri Cooley, Communication Director for the California State Water Resources Control Board. “Starting with their participation in the survey, business leaders will play a critical role in Save Our Water’s outreach to increase California’s business community’s awareness about the rebates, water saving measures, and useful water conservation techniques.” 

Save Our Water will continue with regional outreach and education programs in partnership with the chambers of commerce and business leaders to support water conservation in the business community.  

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About Save Our Water

Save Our Water is California’s statewide water conservation program. Co-managed by the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications and the Department of Water Resources, the program’s goal is to make water conservation a California way of life. Save our Water teaches Californians how to use water more efficiently inside and outside their homes and how to transform their yards into water-wise landscapes. Through partnerships with local water agencies and community-based organizations, and social media, earned media, and event sponsorships, Save Our Water is helping people conserve water, rain or shine.

Find all the ways to conserve water at saveourwater.com, or follow @saveourwater on Twitter and Instagram and @SaveOurWaterCA on Facebook.