Mesa wins national mayor’s water conservation challenge

The city of Mesa recently won the 2025 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.

Mesa took first place in the 300,000–599,999 population category, one of five cities recognized nationwide for achieving the highest percentage of residents making water-saving pledges during the month-long April campaign. Other top-ranking cities, based on their population categories, are Laguna Beach, California; Union City, New Jersey; Jersey City, New Jersey; and Columbus, Ohio.

To win the challenge, Mesa residents pledged to conserve more than 22 million gallons of water over the next year by taking simple, measurable actions — like fixing leaks, using drought-tolerant plants and preventing outdoor runoff.

Additional sustainability choices such as powering down electronics, properly disposing of medications and using refillable bottles will reduce 6.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid 75,975 pounds of CO₂ emissions, properly dispose of over 44,000 pounds of hazardous waste and eliminate the need for more than 14,000 plastic water bottles.

They are now entered into a grand prize drawing for up to $3,000 toward their home utility bills. Additionally, Kerr Center for Agriscience, a K-6 Mesa Public School, will receive 50 pairs of Zenni EcoBloomz sustainable sunglasses in recognition of the school’s commitment to science and sustainability.

“Mesa’s win in this national challenge reflects our community’s deep commitment to sustainability and the importance of being good stewards of our natural resources,” Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman said in a release. “Water conservation is not just a necessity — it’s a shared responsibility. All Mesa residents and businesses need to do their part to use our water resources efficiently.”

Arizona’s unique climate and challenges, ranging from Colorado River shortages to aquifer stress and extreme heat, make water conservation more critical than ever. Mesa’s collective effort demonstrates how everyday actions — at home and in business — can add up to real water savings, the release states.

The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, founded by the Wyland Foundation, is a water conservation initiative targeting local governments and their communities. New this year, the campaign introduced an AI-powered impact insight tool, giving residents real-time feedback on how their actions benefit both their city and the planet, the release states.

To view Mesa’s full results or learn how a city can get involved, go to mywaterpledge.com. To find more ways to save water and money at home, go to https://www.mesaaz.gov/Environment-Sustainability/Water-Conservation