INC NEWS - Durham Citizens' Newsletter: March/April 2008 Edition

[Blalock, Amy]

Spring Into Water Efficiency

Tips for Keeping Water Conservation a Priority this Season

Spring is a popular time to start home improvement projects. With Durham
and the rest of North Carolina experiencing an exceptional drought, many
typical "spring clean-up" activities will be limited.  

Durham customers need to continue aggressive water conservation efforts
and be aware of the water use restrictions that are in place as we go
through spring cleaning rituals. Here are some simple ways to use water
wisely this spring:

*         Collect shower/bath "warm-up" water in a bucket for use in
cleaning chores such as mopping or washing windows.  It can also be used
for flushing toilets, or watering both indoor and outdoor plants (and
even filling your rain barrel).

*         Collect water condensation from air conditioning units. Use
this water for regular household chores or watering plants.

*         Conduct your own leak detection survey. Repair dripping
faucets or other leaks quickly. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of
one drop per second, you may waste 2,700 gallons per year!

*         Test (and replace as necessary) toilet flappers on a regular
basis; these are the mostly likely culprit for toilet leaks. Just add a
couple of drops of food coloring to the tank, let it sit for 20 minutes,
and look for color in the bowl.  Dye in the bowl indicates a leak.

*         Limit to toilet flushing when possible, and never use the
toilet as a wastebasket.

*         Wash full loads in dishwashers and washing machines. Avoid
pre-rinsing dishes by using paper napkins from the meal to wipe them and
remove excess food waste.

*Consider using disposable, biodegradable plates and utensils.

*         Use "dry" cleanup methods whenever possible. When shopping for
household cleaners, select brands that are effective without water.

*         Defer any non-essential household maintenance that would
normally require water, such as pressure washing prior to painting. If
you absolutely "must" clean and paint your house, use a service licensed
by the City that has already documented their water efficient practices.

  

There are many ways to make your homes more efficient year-round. If
you're planning simple or drastic home improvement projects, consider
replacing your fixtures and appliances with water-efficient models.  Be
sure to read the labels on appliances for water use information before
making a purchase. EPA WaterSense(r) products are extremely water
efficient.

 

Bathroom Improvements

*         Replace showerheads and faucet aerators with efficient
versions such as the 1.5 gallon-per-minute showerheads available from
the cashiering counter at City Hall for just $3 each.

*         When replacing toilets, consider installing a High Efficiency
Toilet (HET).  HETs use no more than 1.28 gallons-per-flush!  For a list
of high performing HET models, visit the WaterSense Web site at 
www.epa.gov/watersense <http://www.epa.gov/watersense/> .

 

Kitchen Improvements

*         Consider installing an on-demand water heater on your kitchen
sink.  This reduces water-heating costs for your household because you
don't have to let the water run while it heats up.

*         When shopping for a new dishwasher, select a water-efficient
model.  While most conventional dishwashers use anywhere between 7 to 14
gallons per load (gpl), a water-efficient dishwasher only uses 3 to 7
gpl.  

 

Around the House

*         Insulate pipes to get hot water faster, so less water is
wasted.

*         When replacing washing machines, consider new water saving
versions. Front-loading machines tend to have the lowest water and
energy use. 

*         Never install a water-to-air heat pump or air-conditioning
system. Newer air-to-air models are just as energy efficient and do not
waste water.

 

Durham Partners With EPA's WaterSense(c) Program

If you're planning to buy a new appliance this summer, look for one with
the new EPA Watersense(c) Partner logo. 

WaterSense aims to decrease indoor and outdoor water use through
water-efficient products and simple water-saving practices. The program
encourages customers to look for WaterSense labeled products, which have
been independently certified for efficiency and performance, and promote
water-saving techniques that reduce stress on water systems and the
environment.

The City of Durham is proud to be a WaterSense partner," said Vicki
Westbrook, deputy director of the Department of Water Management. "We
look forward to working with our customers to improve water efficiency
awareness and promote WaterSense labeled products and water-saving
practices inside and outside the home."

 

Holiday Service Changes

There will be no trash collection on Friday, Mar. 21. Collection for
those routes will be on Wednesday, Mar. 19. The Solid Waste Transfer
Station will be closed on Mar. 21, but will reopen under normal
operating hours on Mar. 22.

 

Earned Income Tax Credit

Did you or your family earn less than $39,800 in 2007? Are you single or
the head of your household and earned less than $37,800?

If so, you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free
tax preparation services. These tax credits can be worth thousands of
dollars and can offset income and payroll taxes and supplemental wages.
The IRS-sponsored VITA program works with community organizations to
provide free tax preparation services to low-income filers. Call
1-888-927-3230 for information. 

Senior Games and Silver Arts

Mature adults can display their athletic and artistic abilities April
12-26 at the Durham County Senior Games and Silver Arts. You must be a
Durham resident or on a team with a resident to participate. For
information or an application, contact Allison Hubbard at 688-8247 or 
allison.hubbard at durhamnc.gov.

 

Citizen Police Academy

Learn about the operations and services of the Durham Police Department
at the spring session of the Citizen Police Academy. Applications are
being accepted for the six-week academy, which will run from April 8 -
May 15. The free sessions will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30
p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will be conducted in English and Spanish. The
deadline to register is March 28 and will be taken on a first-come,
first-served basis. Registration forms are available at police
substations and online at www.durhampolice.com. For information, call
560-4404 or 560-4935 ext. 269.

 

 

 

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