Laguna Beach has once again been named a national winner in the 2026 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, marking the community’s 10th national title in the annual water conservation competition.
The recognition highlights Laguna Beach’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and reflects the collective efforts of residents who have made water conservation part of everyday life.
The Wyland Foundation recognized Laguna Beach as the winner in the 5,000–29,999 population category after residents submitted 4,645 water conservation pledges during the month-long campaign.
If fully implemented, those pledges are projected to save more than 47.6 million gallons of water, reduce 178 million pounds of CO₂ emissions, save more than 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity, and generate nearly $690,000 in household savings.
“For a small coastal community, those savings can have a meaningful impact,” said Keith Van Der Matten, General Manager of the Laguna Beach County Water District. “Water conservation helps reduce pressure on limited water supplies, lowers energy use, and supports the long-term reliability of our local water system. It’s encouraging to see residents continue stepping up year after year.”
“This recognition really belongs to the residents of Laguna Beach,” said Mark Orgill, Mayor of Laguna Beach. “Winning once is impressive. Winning ten times says something about who we are as a community. Laguna Beach residents continue to show that small everyday actions can make a big difference when it comes to protecting our beaches, ocean, and water resources for future generations.”
Laguna Beach’s 10th national title reflects years of strong community participation and continued support for local environmental and water conservation efforts.
The annual challenge, hosted at mywaterpledge.com, encourages residents across the country to commit to simple actions that improve water-use efficiency, reduce pollution and runoff, and protect local watersheds. Through the Wyland Foundation’s Impact Insight Tool, participants can see how everyday choices, such as fixing leaks, reducing outdoor watering, properly disposing of household chemicals, and cutting back on single-use plastics, connect directly to local environmental challenges.
Other 2026 national winning cities included Napa, California; Athens, Georgia; Mesa, Arizona; and Los Angeles, California, representing five population categories from small cities to major metropolitan areas.
Nationwide, residents participating in the 2026 challenge pledged actions projected to save more than 511 million gallons of water, reduce over 2 billion pounds of CO₂ emissions, keep 13.1 million pounds of waste out of landfills, and eliminate more than 1.17 million plastic water bottles.
“Every city has a water story,” said Steve Creech, President of the Wyland Foundation. “The Mayor’s Challenge helps residents see how everyday choices at home can protect local watersheds and contribute to healthier waterways nationwide.”
Residents from winning cities are also eligible for sponsor-supported prizes, including $3,000 toward home utility bills, home improvement gift cards, and Zenni EcoBloomz eyewear. This year, The Toro Company is providing a new suite of grand prizes: a complete Toro smart watering system for residents in winning cities. Five residents in each winning city will receive a full irrigation upgrade package, including a smart controller, high-efficiency nozzles, rain-sensing technology, and access to Toro expert support. Prize winners will be awarded over the summer.
The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National League of Cities, The Toro Company, CBS Los Angeles, and Zenni EcoBloomz Eyewear.
Founded in 1993 by marine life artist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s oceans, waterways, and marine life through public education.
For Laguna Beach, the 10th national title represents more than another win. It reflects a community-wide commitment to protecting the beaches, ocean, and natural environment that make Laguna Beach so special.
