My name is Sarah Murphy and I was recently hired as the Residential Water Conservation Coordinator for the Water Bureau. I am proud to be making my Water Blog début in celebration of Earth Day.

 

One of the important services that the bureau provides for customers and the environment is water conservation education and outreach. The bureau’s Water Conservation Program has two arms – one for residential customers  and one for business and commercial customers.

 

One of the most common questions I get is about toilets. Silent toilet leaks account for more than 90% of customer calls to the Revenue Bureau’s customer service lines about unexplained water usage increases. Most people think that you can hear all toilet leaks -- that the toilets "run."- but this isn’t always the case. The silent leaks occur when water flows quietly from the tank down the back of the bowl. Water usage can be substantial -- and make an impact on your sewer and water bill. The Conservation program has free leak detection tablets and other water conservation devices available for all customers.  One of our most widely visited pages on the Water Bureau’s website explains how to repair toilet leaks. 

 

Another common request is for information about conserving water outdoors. Spring is a great time of year to start thinking about and preparing your garden to use less water. Throughout the summer the Water Bureau works with other agencies to provide detailed information about how to use water wisely in outdoor plantings – through special events, brochures that go out with water bills, radio ads, and more. On Saturday the bureau will be at the Earth Day Celebration in Sellwood Park, offering activities about outdoor water conservation.

 

The bureau’s website offers additional information about conservation.

 

Sarah Murphy

Residential Water Conservation Coordinator