[Durham INC] Durham's Fix-a-Leak Week Begins Today

[Blalock, Amy]

CITY OF DURHAM

Office of Public Affairs

101 City Hall Plaza

Durham, NC 27701

 

 

News Release

 

For Details, Contact:

Amy C. Blalock

Senior Public Affairs Specialist

(919) 560-4123 x 253

(919) 475-7735 (cell)

Amy.Blalock at durhamnc.gov <mailto:Amy.Blalock at durhamnc.gov> 

 

For Immediate Release:  March 16, 2009

 

Durham Announces "Fix-a-Leak Week" March 16-20

Home Leak Repair Can Save Water and Money

 

Durham, N.C. - Water lost through drips and leaks can be a significant,
but is often overlooked in homes and businesses. 

 

To raise awareness of these losses, the City of Durham is partnering
with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense Program by
designating March 16 - 20, 2009, as "Fix-a-Leak Week," and reminding
residents to check plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. 

 

"Leaks may account for up to 11,000 gallons of water wasted in the home
every year.  That's enough water to fill a backyard swimming pool," said
Vicki Westbrook, deputy director of the City's Department of Water
Management. "Fixing leaks not only saves water, but it can also save
homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills."

 

To help consumers across the country save water, WaterSense is promoting
ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky
showerheads.  In most cases, fixture replacement parts can be installed
by do-it-yourselfers and pay for themselves in no time. 

 

Following are a few water-saving tips from the City and WaterSense:

*         Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for
wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled
model.

*         Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet
flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a
home up to 200 gallons of water per day.

*         For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose
washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a
wrench.

*         Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring
before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.

 

If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, the City reminds them
to look for the WaterSense label.  WaterSense labeled toilets and
faucets have been independently tested and certified to save water and
perform as well as, or better than, standard models. 

 

Durham is also currently offering a $100 rebate on the purchase and
installation of a WaterSense labeled high-efficiency toilet.  In many
cases, this can cover a significant portion of the purchase price of the
toilet.  Additionally, Durham residents can purchase water-efficient
showerheads from the cashier counter at City Hall for just $3.  The City
can also assist water customers with identifying leaks.  For a $10 fee,
a conservation specialist can help identify leaks, review water usage
history and habits, and make suggestions on additional ways to save
water and lower the water bill.

 

WaterSense also partners with certified landscape irrigation auditors,
designers, installers, and maintenance professionals with
water-efficiency knowledge.  Visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find a
WaterSense irrigation partner in the area. 

 

For more information on "Fix-a-Leak Week," visit 
www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.  For more information on saving water
in Durham, the toilet rebate program, and other conservation efforts,
visit www.DurhamSavesWater.org.

 

About the Department of Water Management

The City's Department of Water Management is responsible for the
operation and maintenance of Durham's water supply, water treatment and
water reclamation (wastewater treatment) facilities, the collection and
distribution systems (including meter reading) and customer billing
services.  For more information, visit www.durhamnc.gov/departments/wm.


 

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