COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina utility regulators are promoting a national water conservation program called Fix-a-Leak.
The weeklong awareness campaign begins Monday and is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The program is designed to remind people to check for leaks in their household plumbing and irrigation systems.
The EPA says these minor leaks account for about 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year. That's enough for each household to fill a backyard swimming pool.
Recommendations for do-it-yourselfers are to check all faucet washers and gaskets for wear, replace worn toilet flappers and make sure garden hoses are securely attached to outdoor faucets. Irrigation systems should be checked each spring for cracked pipes.
If any faucets need replacing, the EPA recommends using products that are certified as WaterSense.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH