'Save the Drop' campaign urges Angelenos to conserve water

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti launched a citywide campaign Thursday to help conserve water amid California's epic drought.

The "Save the Drop" campaign focuses on reminding Angelenos to save water and take advantage of the city's rebate programs amid a drought that is gripping the state.

The mayor held a news conference Thursday outside a Van Nuys home that had been "xeriscaped," which means the home's landscaping consists of plants that are native to the area and uses less water.

The city offers a $3.75 rebate for every square feet of grass turf that is replaced as part of the California Friendly Landscape Incentive Program. Half of the city's water is used on outdoor landscaping, according to city officials.

"Because we acted strategically and acted early, we have powerful tools in place to respond to this historic drought," Garcetti said. "Now, through this unprecedented outreach campaign, we are taking action to make sure every Angeleno is informed and encouraged to harness those tools to lower their water use and their water bills."

The campaign is being launched as California is experiencing its fourth year of extreme drought.

On Wednesday, Garcetti unveiled the city's first sustainability plan at a news conference in Echo Park. The plan calls for a 20 percent reduction in household water use by 2017, and a 50 percent reduction in imported water by 2025.

This comes in addition to Gov. Jerry Brown's state-mandated restrictions.

The "Save the Drop" campaign, which includes a cartoon character called "the Drop," will show up on bus and sanitation truck advertisements, at the library, in utility bills and at parks, as well as movie theater, television and radio placements.

You can get more information on www.savethedropla.org.

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