RIVERSIDE, Calif. — The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, now in its fifth year, runs through April 30. It is presented by The Wyland Foundation and Toyota with support from The Toro Co. The competition kicked off from San Diego with a call to mayors across the U.S. to help spread the word about the importance of water conservation.

“As a worldwide leader in irrigation technology and innovation for homes, golf courses, sports fields, municipalities and agriculture, Toro recognizes the importance of protecting water resources for future generations,” says renowned marine life artist and conservationist Wyland. “Toro’s support for Wyland Foundation and the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation further demonstrates their commitment to ensure availability for people around the world and to educate the masses on how to successfully use water without waste.”

The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation rewards individual residents who make pledges online at www.mywaterpledge.com to perform specific water-saving activities throughout the month. By simply pledging their commitment to easy water-saving actions, residents are eligible for a chance to win many exciting prizes – including a Toyota Prius, water-efficient home irrigation products like Toro XTRA Smart EC•XTRA irrigation controllers, and other eco-friendly products. Cities with the highest percentage of residents that make pledges in their population categories qualify for over $50,000 in prize drawings. Last year, mayors from 36 states encouraged residents to make over 390,000 pledges to promote drought resiliency, protect watersheds and ultimately reduce stress on aging water infrastructure. Mayors from cities across the nation, including Portland, Tucson and Dallas, have already thrown their hat into the ring to see whose city will be named the most “water-wise” for 2016.

Other sponsors include EPA WaterSensem National League of Cities, Conserva Irrigation and Earth Friendly Products, makers of ECOS. The challenge is designed to bring together all facets of the community to follow their city’s progress throughout the month and to use that information to encourage neighbors, businesses and civic groups to spread the word. Last year, San Diego was the top ranked city in the 600,000-and-over population standings.

About the Wyland Foundation
Founded in 1993 by environmental artist Wyland (best known for his series of 100 monumental marine life murals), the Wyland Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is actively engaged in teaching millions of students around the country about our ocean, rivers, lakes streams, and wetlands. The foundation’s latest project, FOCUS (Forests, Oceans, Climate – and us) brings together the U.S. Forest Service, NOAA, and numerous non-profits to teach young people about the future of our water supplies, climate and global health. www.wylandfoundation.org

About The Toro Co.
The Toro Co. (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment, including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 2015, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, Toro and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers care for golf courses, landscapes, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural fields. For more information, visit www.thetorocompany.com.