At a May 1 rally in the U.S. Capitol, PHCC-NA President Jim Finley and more than 150 members challenged Americans to commit to specific water conservation measures this summer.

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.