JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
In 2011 it costs more to produce, treat and deliver a gallon of clean water than it does to bring a gallon of gasoline to the pump. On Joint Base Andrews and U.S. Air Force facilities across the country, water leaks contribute to the national total of wasted water, adding up to more than 1 trillion gallons of water per year - enough to supply the annual water needs of Atlanta, Washington D.C. and Baltimore combined.
To help Joint Base Andrews, the Air Force and American consumers find and repair easy-to-fix leaks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is promoting the third annual "Fix a Leak Week" which will run March 14 through March 20.
"Fix a Leak Week" water-conservation tips:
· Check for leaks. Silent toilet leaks can be found by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush. Twist and tighten pipe connections. To save even more water without a noticeable difference in flow, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator or showerhead. JBA is currently installing dozens of water-saving faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and sanitary fixtures throughout the base.
· Replace leaky fixtures if necessary. Look for the WaterSense label when replacing plumbing fixtures as they are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.
· Washing - Running clothes washers and dishwashers only when they are full can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
· Washing face and hands - Turn off the water in the sink while brushing your teeth, and while washing face and hands. This can save 50 gallons a month.
· Preparing food - Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
· Washing vehicles - If washing your vehicle at home, use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
Whether you are an Air Force servicemember, or a civilian, it all starts with you. To learn more about what you can do to help Joint Base Andrews save both energy and water, contact the Air Force District of Washington Energy Team at 240-857-8940, DSN 857-8940.