News Releases from Region 06
EPA Needs Leak Detectives in New Mexico
DALLAS - (March 15, 2016) Every year more than one trillion gallons of water are wasted by easy-to-fix household leaks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging consumers to "Be a Leak Detective" during WaterSense's eighth annual Fix a Leak Week, March 14 - 20, 2016.
"Water conservation continues to be the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water," said EPA regional administrator Ron Curry. "By making a few small changes to our daily routines, we can save a significant amount of water and help conserve valuable water supplies."
EPA is teaming up with the city of Santa Fe to promote "Flapper Friday" on March 18th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Water Division, 801 W. San Mateo, Santa Fe, N.M. To learn how to replace your flapper, put on your glad rags, jump in your jalopy and come join the caper. The Bad Flapper and her gang will be handing out new toilet flappers to customers who bring their water bills-while supplies last.
EPA Fix a Leak Week tips include:
Check for leaks: Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, and fixture connections. Also check toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank at the back of the toilet and wait 10 minutes before flushing to see if color shows up in the bowl. If you saw color, you probably need a new toilet flapper, which is an easy repair to make. Check irrigation systems and spigots too.
Twist and tighten pipe connections: If your showerhead is dripping, make sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem. It may just need a twist to tighten or some pipe tape to secure it. Replace the fixture 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.
WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, new homes, and services. Since the program's inception in 2006, WaterSense has helped consumers save 1.1 trillion gallons of water and $21.7 billion in water and energy bills.
Learn more about fixing leaks, find a certified irrigation professional, or search for WaterSense labeled plumbing and irrigation products: www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.
Connect with EPA Region 6:
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On Twitter: https://twitter.com/EPAregion6
Activities in EPA Region 6: http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central