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PRESS RELEASES - NOVEMBER 2005
Arlington Water Utilities Encourages Winterizing to Conserve Water
November 18, 2005
The City of Arlington Water Utilities Department
encourages the public to check lawn watering schedules and winterizing
plumbing and irrigation systems.
Earlier this month, the City of Arlington Water
Utilities Department joined the Tarrant Regional Water District in
issuing an Excessive Demand Alert and encouraging the public to
voluntarily conserve water. Although there is currently no critical
shortage in Arlington’s water supply, conserving now will help ensure
our future supply.
Julie Hunt, Acting Director of Utilities said, "Now
that we’ve had our first freeze, it is a good time to review some
water conservation and winterizing tips. By following these, customers
will conserve water, lower their water bills and prevent damage to
plumbing."
Residents are encouraged to follow these
winterizing practices:
- Make sure that all outdoor spigots and pipes are covered and
insulated; this could keep pipes from freezing, bursting and losing
water.
- Insulate hot water pipes to reduce the amount of water that must
be run in order to get hot water to a faucet.
- Protect sprinkler systems from freezing. The main shut off valve
for an irrigation system needs to be shut off and protected against
freezing. Shut down the controller timer on automatic systems. Drain
water from irrigation pipes and sprinklers, and insulate backflow
preventers and valves if they are above ground.
- Adjust the watering schedule to the season. Water a winter lawn
every fifth day. If the grass is brown, it is not dead - just
dormant. Dormant grass needs to be watered only every three weeks.
- Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, hose connections, and faucets.
Even a tiny leak can translate into thousands of gallons of wasted
water over a short period of time. Quickly repairing or replacing
any equipment that is leaking water will save money.
- Locate the master water shut off valve and be prepared to use it
in the event of a water pipe break, interrupting the flooding and
significant water loss that such a break could cause.
- Report significant water losses from broken pipes, open hydrants
and errant sprinklers to the property owner, or phone the Arlington
Water Utilities department at 817-459-5900.
Arlington’s water conservation ordinance
requirements affecting rain and freeze sensors on irrigation systems
remain in effect. The ordinance specifies that these systems not run
during rain or freezing conditions. Sensors must be included on all
new and existing irrigation systems installed on or after March 4,
2005. By March 4, 2007, all commercial and apartment irrigation
systems installed before March 4, 2005, must be equipped with rain and
freeze sensors.
Learn more about water conservation by visiting the Arlington Water
Utilities page at
www.ci.arlington.tx.us/water, or call 817-459-6600. |
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