The droughts that ravaged Texas from 2011 to 2013 has taught everyone the value of fresh, clean water. While there is little that can be done to prevent water shortages, mainly because the Lone Star State has relatively few sources of water to begin with, cities like Austin adapt by regulating water consumption and building additional reservoirs. However, Climate Central says that even with such measures, water is still becoming scarcer than before:
“San Antonio’s daily per capita water use in 2011 was 148 gallons, slightly lower than Austin’s 157 gallons that year. Since the worst of the drought, however, both cities have reduced their water use, with San Antonio using 127 gallons per day in 2013, and Austin using 138.”
To optimize the use of Austin’s limited water supply, water fixtures and plumbing systems in households need to be properly and regularly maintained. Thankfully, residents can rely on Austin, TX plumbers, like those at Pure Plumbing Service, to help them in this regard.
One of the things these professionals can help homeowners with is in installing water-saving receptacles, like low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads that are recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, maintenance and repairs remain on top of their list of services because plumbers know that a leaky faucet or water pipe can lead to huge consequences in the long run.
According to the EPA, most households waste about 10,000 gallons of water every year. The largest portion of wasted water does not come from leaks and faulty water systems, but from drips of water from half-opened faucets and showers. A faucet that does this consistently may have a defective O-ring or washer, but should be inspected by an experienced plumber to find the root cause of the problem.
Homeowners aren’t encouraged to tamper with faucets and other fixtures on their own as they may unintentionally cause additional problems when they dismantle these fixtures. Besides, a skilled Austin plumber can perform a thorough inspection without trouble. Considering that Austin’s water supply is much scarcer than before, hiring a professional to fix plumbing problems is one way to prevent things from getting worse.
In the meantime, Austin residents can hope their efforts to conserve water won’t be in vain the next time a serious drought comes their way. When another drought does happen, everyone will understand the value of reliable plumbing services to preserving the supply of fresh water.
(Source: Drought Fuels Rising Tide of Texas Water Conservation, Climate Central, February 28, 2014)
