ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
6.	AUTHORIZE THE GENERAL MANAGER TO EXECUTE A PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S (EPA) WATERSENSE PROGRAM AS A PROMOTIONAL PARTNER
Meeting Date:			May 17, 2010	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			Darby Fuerst,	Program/	Water Conservation
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Stephanie Pintar	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: The Administrative Committee reviewed this item on May 7, 2010 and recommended approval.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Staff is seeking authorization to become a promotional partner in the EPA’s WaterSense program. A copy of the WaterSense partnership agreement is attached as Exhibit 6-A. Additional information can be found on the program’s website at http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.html. There are presently 197 local, state and federal government partners in the program.

The WaterSense program is essentially the Energy Star program for water. It is a national program that offers people a simple way to make product choices that use less water and perform as well or better than your existing products. WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water-efficient products with a label backed by independent testing and certification. WaterSense also recognizes some professional service programs that meet WaterSense specifications by incorporating a strong water efficiency component. Partners display the WaterSense symbol as recognition of their support for the program.

As partners in the WaterSense Program, MPWMD would agree to the following responsibilities:

1. Educate consumers, residents, businesses, and institutions on the value of water efficiency, the importance of saving water, and the meaning of the WaterSense label. Where feasible, undertake activities and events to achieve mutual WaterSense goals.

2. As appropriate, encourage eligible constituents, members, or affiliates to participate as partners in the EPA WaterSense program.

3. On an annual basis, provide data to EPA on promotional activities, incentive programs, and water use to assist in determining the impact of the program in promoting labeled products.

4. Feature the WaterSense promotional label and partner logo on Web site and in other promotional materials.

5. Adhere to WaterSense program mark guidelines and ensure that authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies, distributors, and subcontractors, also comply. Help EPA maintain program integrity by alerting EPA to possible misuse(s) of the WaterSense program marks.

6. Grant the EPA WaterSense program permission to include partner’s name on a list of participating partners on the WaterSense Web site, program materials, and announcements.

RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the Administrative Committee support a partnership with the EPA’s Water Sense Program.

IMPACT TO STAFF/RESOURCES: None.

EXHIBITS

6-A WaterSense Partnership Agreement

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