The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is encouraging residents to identify and fix leaks in their homes as part of the annual “Fix a Leak Week”.
“Water Conservation is critical in our society. More than one trillion gallons are lost each year in U.S. homes. Leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water in an average home every year – the amount of water it takes to fill a swimming pool or wash 270 loads of laundry. The small cost of fixing these leaks is paid for quickly by the money individuals will save on their water bills,” said Public Service Commission Chairman Mike Albert. Fix a Leak Week is an opportunity the Commission likes to use to be vigilant in checking household plumbing fixtures and outdoor irrigation system leaks. To help save water, the Commission offers the following tips:
· Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers and other fixtures. Check toilets for silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank, waiting 10 minutes and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush. Also, check outside irrigation systems and spigots.
· Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections. To save water without a noticeable difference in flow in your bathroom, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.
· Replace fixtures if necessary. Look for WaterSense labeled models, which are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.
For more information visit the Public Service Commission website at: www.psc.state.wv.us
