Conservation:
Stopping Water Leaks
Water on the Run
While a large water main break can sometime be very obvious, water leaks are not always that easy to find. Water leaking in a toilet, in a yard, or under a street may go undetected for a long time and waste a vast amount of water. Our personnel search for suspected leaks, but sometimes they notice signs of a water leak while doing other tasks or even just driving to work. By following the tips below, you can help find leaks yourself, which can save you money, prevent damage to your property, and help conserve our vital drinking water.
Indoor Water Leaks
A leaking pipe or fixture within your home will increase the water usage as measured by your water meter. If you receive a high water bill or notice an increase in usage, we suggest you look at your faucets and toilets to see if a small leak is present. A large amount of water can flow through the meter due to a leaky faucet or toilet.
To check for leaks, look at the red triangle on your water meter at a time when you are not running water. If the dial is spinning slowly, there is most likely a small leak. Toilets can be checked for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring into the water hold tank and seeing if any color seeps into the toilet bowl. You should also try to shut off the water supply to the toilet and see if the red triangle on the water meter stops spinning.
If you will be away from the home for a while, note the reading on your water meter before you leave, then check it again when you return to see if the reading has changed. Fixing these leaks will save both water and money.
Outdoor Water Leaks
The water service line to your home may develop a leak, and this will not show up as usage on your meter. Underground leaks do not always show up as a stream of flowing water on the surface. If you notice a puddle that doesn’t go away in dry weather or an area that has become soft and squishy compared to the surrounding area, then that could indicate a leak in the water service line.
An underground water leak can cause significant damage to your home and property if it is not addressed and wasting water ends up costing all of us in the end, so please contact us immediately if you suspect a leak is present.
Help Protect Water Quality
Many of our water supplies are threatened by contaminants. Here’s how you can help protect the quality of your supply:
Around the House
Look for nontoxic alternatives for household products, and properly use and store all toxic products, including cleaners, solvents, and paints. Take unwanted pharmaceuticals and household hazardous materials to a local collection site for disposal.
In the Garden
Switch from garden chemicals to nontoxic alternatives. Use chemicals carefully and sparingly in accordance with labels and dispose of them at a collection center. Use a broom or rake rather than a hose to clean up garden clippings.
Your Vehicles
Take used motor oil and antifreeze to a proper collection center. Have your vehicle inspected and maintained regularly to reduce leakage of oil, antifreeze, and other fluids. Wash your car at a car wash so the water can be properly recycled.
In the Kitchen
Compost food waste when possible. Putting food waste, oils, and grease down the drain burdens wastewater treatment plants and affects aquatic life and water quality downstream.
Please help us protect this vital resource!
Recycling Used Oil
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