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�.. ��g (' ,.� ;"4 � l ��-�..��' �'°� �°� �.;�� Water — Saving a Valua�le I�esource �'our times a year, one of Roseville's Utility workers visits your home. You may not see him, bu� he was there. His job is to read your water meter. He then brings the information back to City Hall and soon you get your water bill in the mail. Many of us review the �ill, write the check ar�d then forget about �t for another three rnonths. But you shouidn't pay it and forget it. You could take action to reduce your wa�er cansuinption. First, replace your old washing machine, disi�washer, toileis, shower heads and faucets with more efficient ones. Not only will you save water, you'li lower your electric bill too. Log on to www.awwa.or waterwiser/links/ for information about purchasing energy saving appliances. Second, cut down on your water use. s Take shorter showErs and/or install low-flow showerheads • Turn faucets off tightly • Avoid �-unnin.g water continuously while performing kitchen tasks • Run dish.washers and washing mach.ines only w�th a full load o Log on to httpJlwww.wateruseitwisely.com. Third, look for and repair any leaks. According ta the American Water Works Association, as much as 12% of water used each day in a home is wasted because of leaks. Most people think if they have a leak they will hear or see it, �ut that is not true. Many Teaks silently run down the drain. You can do a simple home tesi to see if you have a silent leak. 1} Before going to bed and after all household devices such as the washing machine and dishwasher have stopped running, record the numher reading on your water meter {typically located in the basement or lower level). 2) The next morning, record the reading again. If the number has changed, it cauld indicate a leak somewhere in the home. If you've iaund that you have a silent leak there are several steps you can take to stop it. Your toilet is the most likety problem. Put several drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Do not flush. Wait about 20 minutes. If the color appears in the bowl, your toilet has a silent leak_ The problem often occurs when in-tank ch�orine toilet cleaners are used. While these products keep your toilet bawl clean, the cherriicals can damage the rubber flapper in as little as 30 days. Manuiacii�rers are now making compasite rubber flappers with extended wan-anties that protect against leakage for up to five years. These flappers are rnore expensive but they are resistant to the chemicals found in traditiona� in-tank tioilet cleaners. You can also switch t� in-bowl cleaners — after ail, that's where it's needed. In- bowl c�eaners provide the same cleaning power, but tY�ere is no contact with the f�apper.