Conan O'Brien Urges Californians to Save Water During Historic Drought in New PSA's

Iconic comedian and television talk show host Conan O'Brien and sidekick Andy Richter may always be looking for laughs, but they're taking California's historic drought seriously by joining the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the State of California's drought awareness program, Save Our Water, in creating a new series of public service announcements to promote water conservation.

Six videos featuring the duo - and their humorous take on simple ways to save water - were released today, challenging Californians to do their part in cutting personal water use by 20 percent.

This new partnership follows the debut of Conan's first mock drought PSA just a few weeks ago after the State's recent Emergency Regulations announcement to cut excessive outdoor water waste. Conan and Andy not only inspire needed action with their humor, but they also prove they're incredibly water smart.

"Governor Brown has called for everyone in California to cut their water use by 20 percent, and that includes famous comedians," says Steve Fleischli, director of NRDC's water program. "Conan and Andy, true to form, offer their unique twist on how to cut water use in our everyday lives. Mixing humor and advocacy is an effective way to reinforce The Message that we can all do our part."

The PSAs - produced in partnership between NRDC, California Water Foundation and the State's Save Our Water campaign - are available at www.nrdc.org/teamcocoh2o and SaveOurWater.com, and will be featured statewide across digital, social media, TV and radio networks. SaveOurWater.com is designed to help Californians find ways to conserve at home and at work every day.

"Conan O'Brien's call for conservation will help us spread The Message to even more Californians," said Mark Cowin, director of the California Department of Water Resources.

"As serious as this drought may be, Californians of all stripes can get behind Conan O'Brien's humorous take on how to save water," said Tim Quinn, executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies.

Last month, Save Our Water released a short public service announcement on the drought by international pop superstar and five-time Grammy winner Lady Gaga.

• To view the Conan PSAs, visit www.nrdc.org/teamcocoh2o
• Related NRDC blogs:
  • Are you as water smart as Conan?
  • Friends don't let friends waste water

Governor Brown has called on all Californians to reduce their water use by 20 percent and prevent water waste. Save Our Water is a partnership between the Association of California Water Agencies and the California Department of Water Resources - for more ways to save and to learn more about the Save Our Water program, visit SaveOurWater.com.

Save Our Water

Save Our Water connects Californians with daily drought tips and news via www.SaveOurWater.com. Save Our Water's Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram are also great resources for Californians looking to join the effort to save water.

Natural Resources Defense Council

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 1.4 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Livingston, Montana, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC @NRDCWater.

California Water Foundation

The California Water Foundation (CWF) seeks to transition California to a sustainable and resilient water future - a future in which water is managed as a natural resource, looking across all sources and uses to find the best solutions for social welfare, economic development, and environmental sustainability. CWF supports innovative projects and policies that address water challenges today, while achieving long-term, science-based solutions for the future. CWF is an initiative of Resources Legacy Fund, with primary funding from S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation and Pisces Foundation, and additional support from David and Lucile Packard Foundation and others. Learn more at: http://www.californiawaterfoundation.org.