Save The Drop
A citywide water conservation awareness campaign launched in 2015 to combat drought and promote good practices featuring Save the Drop.
Los Angeles met the Mayor’s goal: a 20 percent reduction in citywide water use.
To address Los Angeles’ historic drought, Mayor Garcetti’s fifth executive directive mandated that the city cut its water use 20 percent by 2017.
To reach that goal, the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles partnered with the Mayor’s Office and L.A.-based ad agency Omelet to launch the Save the Drop campaign. Save the Drop targets residents, youth, and businesses, highlighting water conservation and connecting Angelenos to practical tips, tools, and rebates. MFLA also partnered with artist Scoli Acosta to display a Save the Drop art installation around the city featuring information on capturing rainwater.
In 2016, the Drop Defender contest sourced water savings ideas from ingenious Angelenos.
And in early 2017, Los Angeles met and exceeded the Mayor’s 20 percent water use reduction goal, thanks in part to Save the Drop. Top Drop Defenders received prizes and recognition from Mayor Garcetti at a ceremony to mark the achievement.
Save the Drop has appeared in media and programming from many City departments, and on broadcast, radio, digital, and social media platforms. On TV and radio public service announcements, Academy Award nominee Steve Carell and Critics Choice Television Award nominee Jaime Camil provide narration, along with music from Grammy Award-winning artist Moby. Media partners include iHeartMedia, PVBLIC Foundation, Univision, and Telemundo.
The Drop resurfaced in partnership with the LA Department of Water and Power in 2021 when a new drought alert was issued. In 2022, the Drop continued in messaging that included mandated lawn-watering days and other drought fighting initiatives issued by the City.
To learn more, visit savethedropla.org or cadagotitacuentala.org.
Key Impact
160 million media impressions
45,000 website visits
Issue Area
Partners
City of Los Angeles
Office of the Mayor
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