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Local Restaurant is Leader in Certified Water Partner Program
EL PASO - El Paso Water (EPWater) will recognize Martita's Lunch Box (3623 Buckner St.) as its 2017 Conservation Hero on July 21 at the Chihuahuas baseball game. Restaurant owner Martin Rios will accept the award from EPWater President and CEO John Balliew on the field before the third inning.
"Food service providers tend to be significant water users, so we want to give well-earned recognition to the ones that have adopted water efficient equipment and practices," said EPWater CEO and President John Balliew. "Our conservation hero program holds up El Paso models to create awareness of best conservation practices, with hopes that it might inspire other local businesses to follow."
In selecting Martita's Lunch Box, dozens of locally-based restaurants were screened and evaluated based on best practices for water efficiency. Scorecards were used to rate each restaurant for use of water efficient faucets, toilets, washing machines and more. Also included on the scorecard was compliance record for proper disposal of greases to minimize negative impact on wastewater systems.
Based on scoring, Martita's Lunch Box came out on top. The restaurant is one of eight restaurants that have met the criteria to be an EPWater Certified Water Partner, a new program recognizing local restaurants that meet various water efficiency criteria.
The other Certified Water Partners – in no particular order – are:
- Ripe Eatery (910 E Redd Road)
- Ardovino's Pizza (1879 N. Zaragoza)
- Good Luck Café (3813 Alameda Ave)
- Track One (1330 Robert E. Lee Road)
- Super Elotes Richey's (8541 Alameda Ave)
- Julio's Café Corona (3630 Joe Battle); and
- Zinos Greek and Mediterranean (7040 N. Mesa).
El Pasoans have recognized the importance of water conservation, cutting their total water consumption by 30 percent over the last two decades. Continued progress is needed to meet future targets. With hospitality and food service industries representing 15 percent of the total water usage in the commercial sector, El Paso Water is increasing its conservation program focus in this area.
"If restaurants are interested in saving water and cutting operating expenses, we can work with them on best steps to take," said Anai Padilla, EPWater's conservation manager. "This program will be a success if we see more restaurants actively conserve and more restaurants become Certified Water Partners."
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