Encourages Customers to Identify leaks to Conserve Water

BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz., March 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Arizona American Water has partnered with the Environmental Protection Agency to promote its annual "Fix a Leak Week," which runs from March 15-21, 2010.

The EPA estimates that more than a trillion gallons of water are lost annually nationwide through leaks occurring within our homes, with the average residence losing 11,000 gallons a year this way.

Through the "Fix a Leak Week" campaign in partnership with local water purveyors like Arizona American Water, this number can be significantly reduced. This is particularly important in the Bullhead City and Mohave area, where every drop counts.  

Arizona American Water has been a regional leader in water conservation and gladly partnered with the EPA to promote this campaign.

"Our customers in Bullhead City and Mohave realize that reducing water use is not only key to the long term sustainability of the region's water supply but also helps save money," said Paul Townsley, President of Arizona American Water. "That is why we are asking residents to be responsible and help eliminate wasteful water leaks."

Arizona American Water hopes to educate customers on the many simple ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets and leaky showerheads. In many cases, fixture replacement parts can be installed by the customer and often pay for themselves quickly.  Some of those tips include:

• 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.
• Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense-labeled model.
• 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 were not damaged by frost or freezing.

If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, EPA 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. For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.

Arizona American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 350,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company.  With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 35 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE Arizona American Water

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.amwater.com
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak