ADEM: Stop the drip, check for leaks

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is encouraging home and business owners to be vigilant about shutting off dripping faucets once temperatures rise above freezing because the excess water usage is putting an unprecedented strain on water systems throughout the state. 

ADEM also recommends that home and business owners immediately check for leaks in pipes once temps rise above freezing, and to shut the water off at the meter if any leaks are detected. 

In a press release sent Monday afternoon, ADEM said state water systems are struggling to keep up with increased consumer demand for water. The agency believes that much of that demand can be attributed to dripping faucets, as Alabamians attempt to avoid frozen water pipes during an unusually cold stretch. 

Also contributing to the water usage are leaks that are going undetected for hours – or days, in some cases – as frozen, broken pipes unthaw in empty homes and businesses during a holiday travel period. 

ADEM recommends that if you know you won’t be needing water at a home or business that you shut it off at the meter as you leave and drain the pipes from lowest faucet on the property.