Every drop counts. That’s the message behind Charlotte-Mecklenburg (N.C.) Utilities’ proactive, keep-it-simple community outreach program that is helping its 220,000 households get smart about saving water.The utility decided in 2002 to raise customers’ water conservation IQ through a WaterSmart program publicized on the Web site and through water bill inserts. It has brought about a 35 percent reduction in domestic water use since 2003, says Maeneen Klein, water conservation manager.“In 2003, the average household use was about 7,800 gallons,” Klein notes. “Now it’s 5,100 gallons.” But the 750,000 residents the utility serves benefit from more than just saving money and
