BALTIMORE, MD (April 10, 2006) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in conjunction with the Maryland Lottery today announce ‘Liquid Treasures’- a new $2 scratch-off ticket that promotes water conservation. The innovative, informative ticket is a collaboration between state agencies and has been in development for six months.
Marylanders have access to an abundance of water much of the time, and are accustomed to having water available at the twist of a faucet. U.S. citizens use 347 billion gallons of freshwater every day. Water use in Maryland is expected to increase by 225 million gallons a day by the year 2030. Unlike the dry western portions of the country, in this area we often overlook the importance of conserving water. As our population continues to grow, however, demands on our precious water resources increase.
“The Maryland Lottery has provided us with a fun, unique opportunity to share important conservation messages with Maryland citizens,” said MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick. “In order to ensure adequate water resources for our future needs, we must put conservation measures into effect now.”
Each watery-looking blue-green colored ‘Liquid Treasures’ ticket sports one of 16 different water conservation messages and gives players a chance of winnings up to $10,000. Ticket sales will occur throughout the summer months, when warmer weather coincides with higher water use.
“This ticket presents a wonderful opportunity to help MDE create public awareness of the importance of water conservation,” said Maryland Lottery Director Buddy Roogow. “It’s an issue that affects all Marylanders.”
With a run of two million tickets, it is hoped that the unique appearance and conservation messages such as -- “Instead of using a hose, clean your sidewalk with a broom and save up to 80 gallons of water”-- will influence ticket purchasers to take steps toward reducing their water use.
Water conservation is important not just during a drought! Maryland has experienced some exceptionally dry periods the past several years, and the word drought has brought out the water conservationist in all of us. It is important to remember that water conservation is not just for times of water shortage. Sound water use practices reduce the amount of stress that we place on our resources, both by limiting water withdrawals and by decreasing wastewater discharges.
Practicing water conservation on a regular basis can prevent or postpone the building of new water supply infrastructure. When utilities are able to reduce demand, they can frequently extend the life of existing infrastructure, saving consumers the cost of building or renovating. Conservation can also reduce the amount of water that needs to be processed by wastewater treatment plants, again preserving infrastructure and also reducing the amount of waste discharged to streams and rivers. Finally, sound water use practices can make us more resilient during times of drought, negating the need for mandatory restrictions.
Conserving water is simple and inexpensive! For more water conservation tips from MDE visit: www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Water/WaterConservation/Pages/Programs/WaterPrograms/Water_Conservation/index.aspx. For more information on ‘Liquid Treasures,’ see your local Lottery Retailer or visit www.mdlottery.com.
Maryland Lottery Director Buddy W. Roogow (left) and MDE Secretary Kendl P. Philbrick (right) launch new $2 scratch off lottery ticket 'Liquid Treasures' to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation.
Editors Note
Press release edited since publication
###
