Singing shorter songs in the shower or using plastic ice cubes just may help Denver conserve more water.
That’s the tongue-in-cheek focus of a new $500,000 advertising campaign by Denver Water urging consumers to continue their water-wise practices.
Since 2002, Denver Water’s 1.2 million local customers have reduced their water usage by about 20 percent per year.
Mayor John Hickenlooper wants to continue that trend, announcing Wednesday a partnership between the city and Denver Water to reduce systemwide water use by another 22 percent over the next decade.
“We’re all on the same page, and … we all want to see Denver become a city where water is valued,” said Denver Water spokeswoman Trina McGuire-Collier. “The goal of this campaign is to keep conservation top-of-mind.”
Designed by Denver agency Sukle Advertising & Design, the campaign consists of print, outdoor and transit ads. Four billboards already up have writing that covers only a quarter of the sign, leaving most of the wooden structure exposed. The signs read: “Use only what you need.”
“We certainly think they will get people’s attention,” said agency president Mike Sukle. “Conserving water is just part of the way of life in Denver now.”
Denver Water also plans to distribute 20,000 drink coasters to local restaurants and bars. They’ll offer water-conservation tips such as “Be a real man and dry shave, tough guy.”
Staff writer Julie Dunn can be reached at 303-820-1592 or jdunn@denverpost.com.
