RESEDA : School Raises $18,000 in ‘Operation Flush’

Students, teachers and administrators at Reseda High School raised more than $18,000 for school activities in a commode swap sponsored by the Department of Water and Power.

Dozens of students representing various activity groups on campus participated in Operation Flush and distributed 1,204 low-flush toilets to residents in exchange for their old ones. For every toilet swapped, the school received $15 from DWP.

“We are really amazed,” said Assistant Principal Marcella Contreras. “This is just a tremendous success.”

Reseda is one of about a dozen schools involved or soon to be involved in the program, including Canoga Park, Chatsworth and Granada Hills high schools. So far, Reseda has out-earned other schools by a wide margin.

The fund-raiser is part of a DWP effort to encourage water conservation. The low-flush toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush, or 35 fewer gallons a day than the average toilet, which translates to a $35 savings on a yearly water bill.

Last year, DWP and the Metropolitan Water District started a pilot program in several high schools and community-based organizations. Since then, DWP has invited high schools in its service area to participate in the program.

Contreras said the funds will go toward extras such as uniforms and trips for groups including the band, drill team and the anti-violence group WARN (Weapons Are Removed Now). She added that the fund-raiser did more than ease financial strains at the school.

“There really was a community spirit nurtured by this,” Contreras said. “People felt good not only that they were getting something for free, but that they were able to help the school.”