The following is the press release format:
TOWN OF WINTERVILLE DATE:
Due to (Describe situation, such as abnormally dry weather conditions, well failure, etc.) the Town of Winterville, North Carolina is asking its customers to conserve water. Voluntary conservation is needed now to ensure water is available for critical uses and to prevent the need for mandatory restrictions. By using voluntary water consecrations practices in the home and garden, consumers can cut water use by as much as 20 percent with very little difficulty or inconvenience.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact
Water Saving Tips
Kitchen
- Eliminate leaks. A dripping faucet can waste 3,600 gallons a year.
- Install faucet aerators.
- Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead of running water until it is cold.
- Do not leave the water running while rinsing dishes.
- Only use the dishwasher with full loads, and use the water-saver setting, if available.
Bathroom
- Don't leave the water running while shaving or brushing teeth.
- Install a water-filled plastic jug or a toilet tank bag in your toilet tank to reduce the water used per flush. Do not use a brick, which may crumble and prevent the flapper from closing properly.
- Check for leaks by dropping a small amount of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
- Take shorter showers
- Install water-saving showerheads.
Outdoors
- Water in the morning or evening, not in the heat of the day, to prevent evaporation.
- Avoid watering on windy days.
- Water slowly & thoroughly to promote deep roots and healthy plants.
- Water close to the roots of plants so that there’s little waste and evaporation.
- Add compost and other organic matter to your soil to improve its water-holding capacity.
- Choose plants that don't require a lot of water.
- Mulch all plant beds to reduce evaporation, weeds, and soil temperature.
- Limit car washing. Use a bucket and hose with spray attachment.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
(Ord. 07-O-255, passed 1-8-2007)