(PHOENIX)– Arizona’s largest city recently joined Tempe, Mesa and Scottsdale in calling on residents to voluntarily reduce their water use. The announcements are the result of Bureau of Reclamation declaring a Colorado River Tier 1 shortage.

The Colorado River supplies about 40% of Phoenix’s water. Phoenix and neighboring cities have entered the first stage of their drought and water shortage management plans. Since 70% of water use in Phoenix is residential, the experts at family-owned Donley AC & Plumbing are sharing ways residents can stop leaks and conserve water:

Outdoors

Turn off water inside your house and make sure your irrigation system is not scheduled to turn on. Then, check your water meter (typically located in front of house near sidewalk) for movement. The meter should not move. If it does, you have a leak.

Home

1.     Toilet leaks: Place a few drops of food color into the bowl. Wait 10 minutes. If you see color, you have a leak. A worn-out flapper is the most common culprit. The inexpensive rubber parts can be quickly and easily replaced.

2.     Faucet leaks: Listen for drips. Worn washers and gaskets frequently cause leaks. Tightening aerators or replacing fixture may also help. One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day.

3.     Showerheads: Turn on and off and look for drips. Old and worn faucet washers and gaskets often cause leaks. The EPA says a showerhead leaking at 10 drops per minute wastes more than 500 gallons a year.

4.     Under the sink: Check for pooling water under pipes and rust around joints and edges.

5.     Clothes washer: Pooling water could mean a supply line leak.

Replacing older toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators with WaterSense products can greatly improve water efficiency. 

Other signs you have a leak in your home or business:

1.     High water bill

2.     Mold and mildew-leaks often cause wet spots

3.     Wet spots or discoloration on flooring

4.     Damaged walls or bubbles in paint

Ways to conserve courtesy Water Use It Wisely:

·       Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

·       Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, and helps your clothes retain their color.

·       If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

·       When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

·      Run your washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

·       Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

About Donley AC & Plumbing

Since 1976, Jim and Mike Donley and their employees have been providing honest, caring service to Arizonans. Family-owned Donley AC & Plumbing has twice been honored with the Better Business Bureau’s Ethics Award. Donley technicians receive ongoing training to provide the most comprehensive service for air conditioning, plumbing, heating, sewer repair, maintenance management and solar hot water.  www.donleyservice.com

Photo by Marcelo Chagas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-opening-faucet-and-washing-own-hands-1854868/