PSC Promotes Fix a Leak Week

“We want to help consumers save money on their utility bills and save precious water supplies at the same time,” said PSC Chairman Nancy Argenziano.  “Leaks at home can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year–that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool!”

The PSC’s Drop by Drop brochure, available on line at http://www.floridapsc.com/publications/consumer/brochure/WaterHouse.pdf, provides helpful water conservation tips and an illustrated water house to help consumers identify areas both inside and outside the home where saving water is easy and effective.  Common fixes include replacing or repairing dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads, which quickly pay for themselves through lower water bills. 

Here are a few more water-saving tips:

• 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 with a constantly running toilet 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.

Look for the WaterSense label when fixing or replacing plumbing fixtures.  WaterSense products have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models.  WaterSense also partners with certified landscape irrigation auditors, designers, installers, and maintenance professionals.  Visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find a WaterSense labeled product, or an irrigation partner in your area.

For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.

The PSC is committed to making sure that Florida's consumers receive their electric, natural gas, telephone, water, and wastewater services in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner. The PSC exercises regulatory authority over utilities in the areas of rate base/economic regulation; competitive market oversight; and monitors safety, reliability, and service.

For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.