With its ready availability, it’s easy to become complacent about our water use. National Drinking Water Week, May 5-11, is an opportunity for the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to remind consumers to heed this year’s theme and “Protect the Source.”
“Water is our most valuable resource; it is life’s liquid,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “We’re all responsible for protecting our source waters from pollution and for practicing water conservation, so we can continue to enjoy a clean, abundant water supply.”
For easy, everyday water conservation tips, access the PSC’s Drop by Drop brochure and our Conservation House. Simple changes can have a big impact.
Below are some summer conservation reminders from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), which sponsors Drinking Water Week:
- Don’t over water your lawn. Only water every three to five days in the summer and 10 to 14 days in the winter.
- To prevent water evaporation, don’t water your lawn during the hottest part of the day, or when it is windy.
- Only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when they are fully loaded.
- Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of running water over it.
- When washing dishes by hand, use two basins–one for washing and one for rinsing– rather than let the water run.
- Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.
- If you have a swimming pool, get a cover. You’ll cut water evaporation by 90 percent.
- Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day.
About Drinking Water Week
For more than 40 years the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week – an opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Additional information about 2019 Drinking Water Week, including free materials for download and celebration ideas, is available here.
For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
