Summer Tips

Water Conservation

Between 1980 and 2000, America's water use has more than doubled in some areas. In our town, conservation efforts by residents and local industries have helped keep water use steady. Currently, the Bryan Water Department pumps an average of 1.9 million gallons of water per day to the city at a rate of 2,000 gallons per minute. While we are fortunate to have a plentiful source of water, Bryan Water Department would like to encourage residents to conserve water. By saving water, we can also save money, energy and the environment.

Four ways to save water:

• ECONOMIZE - Become conscious of the amount of water you are using, and look for ways to use less whenever you can.
• REPAIR LEAKS - A leak of one drop per second wastes 2,400 gallons per year. Most leaks are easy to repair with a few simple tools.
• INSTALL WATER-SAVING DEVICES - There are many devices you can buy inexpensively or make yourself, such as aerators, flow regulators and displacement devices.
• REUSE WATER - Used water is often suitable for other purposes. Make the most of any water before you let it go down the drain.

Call a licensed plumber or the Bryan Water Department, 419-633-6100 during regular business hours and 419-633-6150 after hours, if you have any questions.

Outdoor Electrical Safety

With the warmer weather, we will be working and playing outdoors more. Bryan Electric Department wants to remind you of some guidelines for electrical safety outdoors:

• WATCH OUT FOR OVERHEAD WIRES when you are around trees, or if you are using a ladder, pool skimmer or any long object. Never use an aluminum or metal ladder near electric lines.
• KEEP ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AWAY FROM WATER, including rain, wet ground, swimming pools, sprinklers and hoses.
• BE ALERT FOR DAMAGED PLUGS AND CORDS on outdoor electrical appliances and fixtures. Use tools and appliances that are approved for outdoor use. They are made with heavier, insulated wiring and three-way grounded plugs.
• DO NOT PLANT TREES UNDER OR NEAR ELECTRIC LINES. Also, call the Electric Department before you attempt to cut or trim trees near power lines.
• CALL BEFORE YOU DIG. Avoid serious injury or loss of electric service caused by hitting underground power lines during any digging project. Before you or any other person drills, digs or excavates near your home or business, call the Electric Department or Ohio Utility Protection Service (OUPS) at 1-800-362-2764. This is a state-run agency that provides free locating service of all underground utilities. Just call at least 48 hours in advance.
• DURING PEAK ENERGY DEMAND, run appliances such as washers, dryers, and dishwashers at night instead of during the day.
• FALLEN WIRES. If any lines fall due to storms or accidents, do not touch the lines. They could be electrified. If you can, look at the side of your house to see whether the lines go to your electric meter base, cable box, or phone box in order to know who to contact to make the repair.

To report any power related problems, call the Bryan Electric Department at 419-633-6100 during regular business hours. After hours, call 419-633-6150. At Bryan Municipal Utilities, we care about your safety.