Liquid Assets, a ninety-minute documentary, tells the story of essential infrastructure systems: water, wastewater, and stormwater. These systems — some in the ground for more than 100 years — provide a critical public health function and are essential for economic development and growth. Largely out of sight and out of mind, these aging systems have not been maintained, and some estimates suggest this is the single largest public works endeavor in our nation’s history.
“We have about 2 million miles of pipe in this nation. If you look at what we’re spending now and the investment requirements over the next twenty years, there’s a $540 billion difference.”
—Steve Allbee, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Exploring the history, engineering challenges, and political and economic realities in urban and rural locations, the documentary provides an understanding of the hidden assets that support our way of life. Locations featured in the documentary include Atlanta, Boston, Herminie (Pennsylvania), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington, D.C. Click on the link above for more information.
LEAK DETECTION
There are ways to avoid costly water bills. If you receive an unusually high water bill, please do not hesitate to contact the Water Department. We are more than happy to re-read the meter to verify it's correct. If it is correct, we can check for leaks* at no additional charge to you. Some of the most common problem areas are listed below:
A leaking toilet can fill an olympic sized pool in just six months! It's easy to ignore. After all, you don't see any puddles. You can't always hear it. But that running toilet is wasting an astounding amount of water! In fact, a leaking toilet can waste up to 90,000 gallons of water each MONTH. At that rate you coudl fill a swimming pool in as little as 6 months! That could be an additional cost to you of over $2,000!
Toilet leaks occur in two ways and are often very difficult to detect. If the flapper or ball valve does not seat properly and form a water tight seal, water will leak around it into the toilet bowl. Often, this leak will occur without being heard. You can test for this type of leak with some inexpensive food coloring. Simply remove the tank lid and then flush. After the flapper/tank ball drops and the tank refills, add several drops of dark food coloring. Wait at least 20 minutes. If there is any trace of color in the bowl, there is a leak.
Another huge cause of increased water bills is a faulty irrigation system. Irrigation systems should be regularly maintained in order to keep them efficiently working year after year. Damage from lawn equipment or from improper winterization can cause leaks and failures. Leaks can waste up to 12 gallons per minute! And leaks can occur anytime whether your system is newly installed or you've had it for years.
There are many other reasons for an increase in water consumption over the summer months such as washing cars, increase in number of daily showers, children home from school, and more. Residents should be aware of water consumption in their own homes. Record your meter reading from the meter located in your basement on a weekly basis. If you suspect a leaky irrigation system or are just wondering how you and your family are using water, recording weekly meter readings can help you better understand your consumption and identify spikes.
*The Water Dept. staff is happy to detect leaks for you; however, we are not able to make repairs.
The average household uses about 11 percent of its total indoor water in the kitchen. Water is used in the kitchen in a variety of ways: washing dishes, cooking, and cleaning. Tips for conserving water:
1. Wash only full loads in your washing machine, or adjust the water level to reflect the size of the load. Review procedures with children.
2. Pay attention to your water bill and become familiar with your water meter - use them to track your water use and detect leaks.
3. Purchase appliances that offer water- and energy-efficient cycle options.
4. Fix leaky plumbing fixtures (even a small drip can increase your bill significantly!). Check faucet and appliances monthly.
5. Show children how to turn off the faucets completely after each use.
6. Locate your master shut-off valve so that water can be saved should pipes burst.
7. Install aerators on every faucet. This could save you as much as 1 gallon every minute you use them.
8. Be aware! Listen for drips and leaks around your home.
As always, should you have questions about water consumption and conservation, please feel free to call the Duxbury Water Department.
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