BREMERTON — Mayor Patty Lent announced the City of Bremerton’s participation in the fifth year of the National Mayor’s Water Pledge Challenge, a program committed to improving the environment by using a national contest to engage citizens’ conservation efforts in various cities.

Residents can take the water pledge at www.mywaterpledge.com Participants in the winning cities will be eligible to win prizes including a Toyota Prius, showerheads, home watering kits and more.

Bremerton ranked No. 1 in its nationwide category in both the 2014 and 2013 contests and No. 3 in 2012 and 2015. Since 2012, the first year for this contest, Bremerton has ranked No. 1 of cities in Washington state. The city is counting on the involvement of our residents to get us to first place once again in 2016.

“Water is Bremerton’s remarkable resource. I encourage all Bremerton residents to pledge to learn more about their water and energy use at home,” Lent said in a press statement.

“This challenge, which runs through April, is an exciting opportunity to learn about water wise habits as we engage in a friendly competition with other cities across the nation to create a more sustainable environment.”

“The water pledge highlights the impact of each person’s environmental efforts,” said Water Resources Manager Kathleen Cahall.

“The city’s prize for participating in this contest is increased awareness about the importance of our water resources and how small changes in habits can make a big difference.”

Cities win by having the highest percentage of residents take the challenge.  Participants in these cities are eligible to win prizes and will also see real results based on simple actions to save water and energy. The Mayor’s Water Pledge Challenge is presented by the nonprofit Wyland Foundation.