Media Corner

For Immediate Release
January 25, 2005

Local High School Basketball Team Nets $5,805

Whittier, CA - Central Basin Municipal Water District Board President Bob Apodaca joined with Orchard Dale Water District Directors Cliff Lee, Joe Kennedy, Elden Hughes and Bob Noonan to proudly present the California High School Boys and Girls Basketball Teams with a check for $5,805 on Thursday, January 13 for the teams' participation in the Ultra-Low-Flush (ULF) Toilet Distribution program.

On October 2, 2004, members of the California High School Boys and Girls Basketball Teams volunteered to help Central Basin and Orchard Dale Water District distribute 387 free ultra-low-flush toilets to Orchard Dale Water District customers. The school's Assistant Principal of Business and Activities Ben Murillo, along with coaches Brian Barber and Leonard Espinoza, accepted the check on behalf of the team.

"Through the volunteer efforts of the California High School Basketball Teams, we were able to distribute enough ultra-low-flush toilets to save more than three million gallons of water per year," said Apodaca. "These athletes have made an enormous contribution to its community that will last far into the future."

"We are proud to be able to sponsor an event that gives back to the community in so many ways," said Orchard Dale Water District Board President Cliff Lee. "Not only were we able to provide the community with free ultra-low-flush toilets, but we were also able to help this local high school earn money to support its extra-curricular activities."

Since 1995, Central Basin has worked with non-profit, community-based organizations and local high schools to promote conservation programs while helping them earn money for their assistance. These organizations receive funding for each old "water-wasting" toilet that is returned for recycling.

The money raised is used for a variety of items ranging from purchasing team uniforms to funding school improvements. The California High School Basketball Teams will use their money toward uniforms and equipment.

The ULF Toilet distribution program was established to provide the public with free high-quality toilets that save an average of 26 gallons of water per day. The programs are conducted annually throughout Central Basin's service area.

Central Basin Municipal Water District Board President Bob Apodaca, together with Orchard Dale Water District Directors, presents California High School with a check for $5,805. (Pictured from left to right are Orchard Dale Water District Board President Cliff Lee, Orchard Dale Water District Director Joe Kennedy, California High School Girls Basketball Coach Leonard Espinoza, California High School Assistant Principal of Business and Activities Ben Murillo, Orchard Dale Water District Director Elden Hughes, California High School Boys Basketball Coach Brian Barber, Orchard Dale Water District Director Bob Noonan and Central Basin Board President Bob Apodaca.)