Tennessee Town Gripped by Drought: Household Leaks Plugged by Plumbing Manufacturers Institute Members Resulting in 45% Water Savings in One Day

Business Wire,  Nov 27, 2007  

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ORME, Tenn. -- Mayor Tony Reames of Orme TN, has a strong message for drought starved cities. Fix the leaky toilets, faucets and install water control fixtures before they run out of water.

In a campaign, the Mayor and City Council approved, called Save the Water Race volunteers from companies across the nation along with local businesses and residents installed water saving fixtures for this tiny town of 145 residents. Left with only three hours of water per day by the severe Southeast drought Orme fought back.

"We were in a water crisis and we had to act to stop the leaks, but we never imagined we could save over 140 gallons per household per day. In one day we went from three hours of water usage to twelve hours, and we still had water in the community tower. Orme has proven any town can save a lot of water without requiring lifestyle changes inside the home," said Mayor Reames.

Seven major plumbing manufacturers and suppliers, including support from the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI), coordinated by Robert Easter, CEO H2O Guard, Inc, Austin TX, donated new fixtures or services for every home.

"What these companies did is truly remarkable. It was like a whirlwind. From Green materials to water saving products they showed up ready to go. Our community did our part by opening our homes, having things ready for the installers and providing lunch by Peoples Bank," said Mayor Reames.

Brass Craft Manufacturing Company gave state of the art shut off stops and connectors to provide protection from future leaks. Delta Faucet Company donated showerheads designed to use 36% less water and aerators which use 32% less. Gerber 1.6 gpf high performer toilets were installed along with Bemis seats made of recycled materials. H2O Guard, Inc. supplied new Fill-0-Meter valves which measures the exact amount of water to fill the tank, maintains future flush settings and stops leaks immediately. Global Dehumidification Solutions Inc. teamed up with Steamatic to document leaks which existed prior to the new installations and provided clean up.

See website for more information, including water facts for Orme and other water saving studies. www.endwaterleaks.com. Toll free 800-215-5961.

Robert Easter available for interviews 512-637-9691 or 512-633-7960; Email: robert@h2oguard.us.

Photographs available on request from PMI: Barbara Higgens, Executive Director, 847-481-5500, bhiggens@pmihome.org.

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