The members signing this petition support the board's decision to install low-flow shower heads and to pursue other efforts to steward the club's economic resources while reducing the club's overall environmental impact.

Lower water usage not only saves on the club’s water bill ($39k for the low flow shower heads alone) but reduces the natural gas costs required to heat and pump water and staff time needed to maintain it.

We understand that while some members feel they are spending more time in the shower to compensate for the lower flow, the club is still finding substantial savings from the new shower heads.

Finally, as summers get progressively hotter and drier in the Pacific Northwest, water usage is becoming a more sensitive topic and more stringent regulation is forthcoming. One only has to look so far as Willamette Weeks’ annual “Hydro Hogs” stories to see how this issue could be used to build resentment of the MAC.

Sustainability and responsible consumption are becoming more ingrained into Oregon’s culture than at any time in its history due to the state's rapid population growth. If the club hopes to attract the best and brightest members and staff and wants to be seen as a valuable member of the Portland community, the MAC must continue to make positive change.

Low flow shower heads are an obvious start and we commend the staff and board for advancing it. We look forward to working with the club's innovative staff, members, and board to uncover the myriad ways to save money while reducing the club's environmental impact and tell a great story to the larger MAC membership and the PDX community.