At a May 1 rally in the U.S. Capitol,
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association President
Jim
Finley and more than 150 members challenged Americans to commit to
specific water conservation measures this summer.
“Water conservation
is a national issue affecting each American. If each American makes one
modification, we can save millions of gallons of water this summer,” Finley
said. “In addition to conservation, it will save Americans money during
these slow economic times.”
This
water conservation initiative, developed by the PHCC membership, is an effort
to increase public awareness of the importance of water conservation and the
negative consequences of water shortages when they occur. According to
PHCC, a proactive water conservation program can help lessen the impact of any
potential droughts and other water shortage situations that could occur this
summer.
The organization met in Washington, D.C., for its Legislative Day
and as part of National Plumbing Industry Week.
Congressman Lynn
Westmoreland (R-GA) joined the rally to speak first-hand about the
effects of last summer’s drought on the state of Georgia. He called upon
Americans to embrace the water conservation issue and make a personal commitment
to participate.
Others participating were EPA’s Assistant Administrator
for Water, Ben Grumbles, and representatives from the United
Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, the American Supply Association and
the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials.
As part of PHCC’s 125th anniversary
outreach efforts, participating members will be offering free water
audits to homeowners in their local communities along with a free water
conservation checklist.
According to Finley, the plumbing industry should
be committed to water conservation and energy efficiency. “A participating
professional plumbing contractor can do a home water audit to identify problem
areas that could be improved, and at the same time draw attention to the importance
of water conservation.”
The free water audits will be available to
homeowners from June 1 through Aug. 31, 2008. Those interested in finding
the closest contractor offering a free water audit and /or obtaining a copy of
the water conservation checklist should call 800/533-7694, or visit the Web
site at www.phccweb.org.