Tips to reduce water loss in homes during Fix-A-Leak Week Halton Region is encouraging residents to reduce water loss in their homes by checking for and repairing any leaks in their fixtures and plumbing during Fix-A-Leak Week (March 12-16). Small drips from faucets or shower heads and slow leaks from running toilets can add up to significant volumes of wasted water. "A leak of one drip per second can waste 10,000 litres of water in a year which is enough to fill 50 bathtubs," Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr said in a press release. "Wise use of water is not only important for the environment but also helps to ensure reliable water supplies today and for future generations." The Region is providing the following tips to be more water-wise: · Test for running toilets. Identify leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 20-30 minutes, there is a leak (be sure to flush immediately to avoid staining the bowl). Deteriorating toilet flappers are a major cause of running toilets. Check with your local plumbing supply store to ensure you replace the flapper with one specifically designed for your toilet · Check pipe connections. Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings, such as shower head connections, for any water on the outside of the pipe, as this may indicate surface leaks. Contact a plumber if repairs are needed. · Replace the fixture if necessary. Check to see if you are eligible for a $75 rebate through Halton's Toilet Rebate Program (www.halton.ca/ toiletrebate). · Just add air. Install an aerator on any faucets that don't already have one. They are inexpensive and installation simply requires screwing the aerator onto the end of the faucet. · Inspect outdoor faucets and inground irrigation systems. Each spring, check outdoor faucets and connections for drips, and in-ground irrigation systems for leaks before use to make sure they have not been damaged by frost or freezing. Ensure automatic irrigation systems will not come on when it rains. · Check your water meter. Read your water meter before going to bed, then again in the morning. Assuming that no water has been used overnight, if the meter has moved at all, you have a leak somewhere. · Reduce. Be mindful of how you use water and look for other ways to be more water efficient. 5 · Wednesday, March 14, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Doing What's Best For My Clients Knowing your insurance broker is looking after your best interest is extremely important and this is exactly what broker, Barbara Siek of All-Risks Insurance Brokers prides herself in. With 17 years of industry experience, she is more interested in looking after her clients and doing what's right for them and continues to do so by forging lasting relationships with her clients. "I am an honest, down to earth broker that believes in doing right for my clients." · more fun! BARBARA SIEK · self confidence! · meet people! · grace & poise! 5 LESSONS for $ By yourself or with a partner. New Students Over 21 Only. special offer 25 2345 Wyecroft Road, Unit 18, Oakville, Ontario 905-847-0400 · bsiek@all-risks.com 225 Lakeshore Rd. E. (2nd Floor) between Dunn St. and George St. OAKVILLE 1092 Main Street W. near Cline Ave. HAMILTON www.fredastaire.ca 905-815-3237 905-522-3237 2012 LINCOLN MKZ EVERYTHING YOU HOPED FOR. MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED. NOW LEASE OR PURCHASE FINANCE AS LOW AS $ 399 00* +HST /MONTHLY 48 MONTH LEASE FOR UP TO 48 MONTHS ON MOST NEW 2012 MODELS 0 % APR PLUS GET AN ADDITIONAL $ FOR ELIGIBLE COSTCO MEMBERS 1,000 V6 FWD STK. #2L015 570 Trafalgar Road · 905.844.3273 · www.oak-land.com *Vehicle may not be as illustrated. Total due on delivery: $694.53 + licensing. Guaranteed future value: $15,249.40+ applicable taxes. Total of all monthly charges is $22,024.80 over 48 months, inclusive of HST. Lease kilometre allowance is 16,000 kms/year for a total of 64,000 kms at end of 48 months. $0.16 + HST is charge for every kilometre driven over 64,000 kms. Owner to arrange automotive insurance. See Oak-land Ford Lincoln for complete details. Must be a member in good standing of Costco on or before Nov. 30, 2011. Costco rebate and all manufacturer's rebates applied Oak-land Lincoln