HARRISBURG -- The Department of Environmental Protection is recommending that residents conserve water to reduce the load on local wastewater treatment plants, many of which may be either partially or fully inoperable due to damage sustained by flooding in the eastern and central portions of Pennsylvania.

The following are recommendations for residents, businesses and other institutions to reduce the load on these facilities:

• Take quick showers (this can save an average of 20 gallons of water);
• Turn off the water when brushing teeth or shaving (this can save more than five gallons per day);
• If consumers have more than one toilet, use one for urination and use it at least twice before flushing (this can save five to seven gallons per flush). However, consumers should keep toilet lids shut and keep children and pets away from toilets that have not been flushed;
• Avoid unnecessary flushing. Dispose facial tissues and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet;
• Place a plastic jug of water or commercial "dam" in older toilet tanks to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush (this can save over 1,000 gallons per year);
• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and a second sink or basin with rinse water. If additional rinsing is needed, quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet;
• Wash clothes and use the dishwasher only when you have a full load and set it to use the minimum amount of water required, and use only if needed;
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave;
• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning around your home; and
• Use a broom, not a hose, when cleaning your driveway.

For more flood recovery information on re-entering and cleaning homes and businesses, cleaning up home heating oil, reporting spills and other environmental emergencies, contact the nearest DEP regional office or visit DEP's Web site at www.dep.state.pa.us, Keyword "DEP Flood Recovery."

PEMA & Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
 
CONTACT:
Kurt M. Knaus, DEP - 717-787-1323