PSC’s Fix a Leak Week message can save you $$$

JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – (March 20, 2015) – As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ongoing We’re for Water campaign, this year’s Fix a Leak Week encourages Americans to help put a stop to the more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted from household leaks each year. Sponsored by EPA’s WaterSense® program, Fix a Leak Week is March 20 through 24, 2017.

“Leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water in an average home every year—the amount of water it takes to wash 270 loads of laundry,” said Chairman Brandon Presley. “We are encouraging consumers to find and fix leaks to save water in our community.”

Public Service Commission Chairman, Brandon Presley

“Water leaks can cause major damage to your home and property if they are left unfixed.  We urge consumers to check regularly for leaks and get them fixed before water bills and leak repairs impact your budget.” Central District Commissioner Cecil Brown said.

‘’Unknown or forgotten water leaks contribute to an incredible amount of water waste across the state.” Southern District Commissioner Sam Britton said. “We encourage people to use these tips to prevent unknown wastefulness and to potentially reduce their water bill.”

To help save water for future generations, the PSC is asking consumers to check, twist, and replace:

• Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures. Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank, waiting 10 minutes, and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too.
• Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections. To save water without a noticeable difference in flow in your bathroom, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.
• 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.

In many cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by handy do-it-yourselfers or local plumbing professionals.