Media Corner

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2004

Local High School Students Learn It Pays to Volunteer

Carson - Central Basin Municipal Water District's Board of Directors proudly presented Garfield High School students with a check for $3,750 on Monday, April 26th for their participation in the Ultra-Low-Flush (ULF) Toilet Distribution program. On November 22, 2003, students from the high school volunteered to help Central Basin distribute 500 free ultra-low-flush toilets to the residents of East Los Angeles. The school's Associated Student Body Coordinator Alfredo Montes, along with several students, accepted the check on behalf of the school.

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.

Director George Cole, Director for Central Basin's Division III which includes East Los Angeles, explained, "Through these events, we are able to give something back to the community we serve while helping them save water. We are proud to work with our local high school students and look forward to more partnerships in the future."

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. This translates into savings of more than 4 million gallons annually. The programs are conducted annually throughout Central Basin's service area.

(left to right) Director George Cole with Carlos Espinoza, Melissa Iniguez, John Vega, Wendy Lopez & Alfredo Montes (back)