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<br />TASK 2: INDOOR WATER CONSERVATION <br /> <br />PURPOSE <br />The second component of Gilcrest's water conservation project is <br />the installation of indoor water conservation devices in all <br />residences in the Town. The goal is to reduce indoor water use <br />by retrofitting plumbing fixtures with devices that use less <br />water and do not require major behavioral changes of residents. <br /> <br />In April, Gilcrest contracted with Environmental Asset Recovery <br />Services, Inc. (EARS) for the following work: <br /> <br />1. Install one low flow showerhead, two sink aerators and one <br />toilet device in at least 96% of all homes. <br /> <br />2. Visually inspect each home for leaks in water pipes, fixtures, <br />faucets, water heaters, and water softeners. <br /> <br />3. Hand out water conservation brochures and orally brief each <br />resident about water conservation measures for both indoor and <br />outdoor water use. <br /> <br />The installation of the devices is expected to be completed by <br />July 1, 1993. To determine the impact of the devices, the Town <br />will compare 1992-93 winter water use to 1993-94 levels. <br />Wastewater flows will also be compared. <br /> <br />STATUS <br />To date, water conservation devices have been installed in <br />approximately 75% of town residences. Water savings are already <br />occurring as evidenced by a noticeable reduction in flows to the <br />wastewater treatment plant. The installation process has been <br />more difficult than expected because of the hard, mineral-laden <br />ground water from Town wells. The extremely hard water has <br />caused faucets and shower heads to leak because of mineral <br />deposits lodged in valves and washers. The deposits have also <br />made it more difficult to remove showerheads and faucets; <br />sometimes the threads are so corroded and rusted they break off. <br />Consequently, the residents are gaining added benefits from this <br />project by seeing their fixtures cleaned up and leaks repaired by <br />the installers while putting in the new water saving devices. <br />Any retrofit projects being completed in hard water areas are <br />likely to have these problems. Future water use reductions will <br />not be as consequential once all leaks are fixed. <br />