Surprise, AZ News blog

due to the scheduled absence of Vice Mayor Richard Alton and District 1 Council Member Sharon Wolcott who will be in Washington D.C. promoting the city’s federal agenda. The next regular council meeting is March 25, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza.  

  Did you know that minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes?  That’s why Surprise, as a member of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program, encourage residents to participate during “Fix a Leak Week,” March 15- 21. 

“Leaks can account for 11,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, or enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” says Surprise Environmental Manager Christine Nuñez. “Here in the desert southwest, we cannot afford to waste this precious resource.” 

Not to mention the cost savings to your wallet. Fixing easily corrected leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills. So, if your water bill seems too high, chances are you have a leak somewhere inside or outside of your home. Routine inspections can save you money. 

WaterSense provides the following water-saving tips: 

• Check faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace. 

• Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replace the rubber flapper to save up to 200 gallons of water per day. 

• Leaky garden hose? Replace the nylon/ 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. Turn on the irrigation system in the early morning and let it run for an hour. If there is any water on the street or sidewalk in front of your home, check for the leak’s source and have it repaired. 

If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, EPA reminds them to look for the WaterSense label, as these products have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models.  

For more information visit: www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak or the Water Services web page of Public Works at www.surpriseaz.com.