GUC Urges Customers to Cut Water Usage
October 23, 2007
In support of a statewide initiative, Greenville Utilities is urging all of its water customers to voluntarily reduce water consumption by half. “Governor Mike Easley announced Monday that he is calling upon all North Carolinians to cut water consumption by 50 percent between now and Halloween,” said Ron Elks, GUC’s General Manager/CEO. “In addition, each of the state’s public water systems, including GUC, will be required to record daily water usage and report the information to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources each week. This data will be used to determine future steps that may be taken to reduce water consumption and avoid a water supply emergency in our state.”
The most recent drought map of N.C. shows that 71 counties, including Pitt, are experiencing exceptional drought, which is the most severe category. The remaining 29 counties are in extreme or severe drought. “Although availability of water and treatment capacity has not been a problem for GUC thus far, we don’t know what challenges the future may hold. This has been a prolonged drought, and we do not anticipate it ending anytime soon,” said Mr. Elks. “For that reason, we strongly encourage all GUC water customers to follow the Governor’s top 10 water conservation tips.
1. Stop watering lawns and shrubbery at homes and businesses; do not wash down homes, driveways or sidewalks; do not wash cars; and restaurants should ONLY serve water when patrons ask.
2. Check your plumbing to be sure it is not wasteful.
3. Check for leaks and repair them. In a typical home, leaks amount to about 15 percent of all household indoor water use.
4. Use indoor water wisely. Turn off water while shampooing, shaving and brushing your teeth to reduce the time water is running. Use the shower rather than the bathtub for bathing and limit your shower to no more than 5 minutes.
5. Take time to locate your main water shut-off valve and the water meter in your yard. Knowing where the main shut-off is can potentially prevent the loss of thousands of gallons of water.
6. Use dry cleanup methods to reduce both indoor and outdoor water use. Instead of hosing off your driveway and patio, use a broom to sweep away debris.
7. Take advantage of free water. Catch rainwater from your gutters and use it to water your flowers and vegetables. Collect water from the bath/shower while waiting for it to heat up; use for watering plants.
8. Use appliances wisely. Run washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads to maximize efficiency.
9. Avoid washing vehicles. If washing is absolutely necessary, use a commercial carwash that recycles water.
10. Avoid using sink disposals for food scraps.
Want To Learn More?
Call GUC’s Energy Services Office at 551-1525 and check out these links:
Click here for more ways to save water.
The “Water Conservation Tips” link on the Governor's website.
Water Use It Wisely