March 10, 2016

The Importance of Water

COURTESY OF AMERICAN STANDARD

In the coming days, both the World Plumbing Council and the EPA are shedding light on the importance of water to our ecosystem.

World Plumbing Day: March 11, 2016

Annually, the World Plumbing Council celebrates World Plumbing Day on March 11th in an effort to bring awareness on the importance of plumbing and it’s significance to global health. With the recent Flint, MI water crisis, their message of “Clean water is NOT a luxury” couldn’t be more relevant. Alongside the World Health Organization, The World Plumbing Council has published two extensive fact sheets on the impacts of effective plumbing systems. But the health aspects of adequate plumbing infrastructure isn’t the only thing vital to sustaining our planet.

Fix a Leak Week: March 14-20, 2016

The environmental impacts our population has on our water sources play a critical role in sustaining clean water. The EPA’s WaterSense program celebrates Fix a Leak Week annually to bring awareness to the impact that leaky faucets and water systems have on wasted water. Take a look at the fact sheet below to learn more about the effects of leaking water systems.

COURTESY OF THE EPA WATERSENSE PROGRAM

 So how can you make a meaningful impact?

Here’s some water saving tips you can easily implement into your daily life.

• Check for drips or leaks throughout your home plumbing system. If you see a leak, seek a professional for repair.
• Consider replacing shower heads or toilets with low flow efficient fixtures.
• Turn the faucet OFF while brushing your teeth.
• Use the dishwasher rather than hand washing dishes, but be sure its fully loaded!
• Thaw food in the refrigerator rather than using a running tap with hot water.
• Consider keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap till water cools.
• Only run washers when you have a full load and use the appropriate water load size.
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than hosing off.
• Consider a commercial car wash that recycles their water rather than washing at home.

(tips courtesy of WaterSense)