The 8th annual ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign kicks off on October 3, 2007 with Change a Light Day. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are encouraging participation in this campaign. The City of Auburn is joining with these agencies in asking its citizens to replace at least one home or office regular light bulb with an ENERGY STAR - qualified light bulb.

Lights replaced with energy-efficient ones can add up in energy, monetary, and environmental savings. ENERGY STAR - qualified light bulbs and fixtures use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and can last up to 10 times longer. Just one ENERGY STAR - qualified light bulb can save $30 or more in energy costs over its lifetime, while preventing more than 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.

Together, we can help light the way to greater energy efficiency and a brighter future. If you have any questions about this initiative or how you can participate, please visit the City of Auburn’s Cool City website at www.auburnalabama.org/coolcity, e-mail us at webit@auburnalabama.org, or call us at (334) 501-7200.

Source: AuburnAlabama.org

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During the last several weeks, Auburn has experienced rainfall deficits and record temperatures. These conditions have created a spike in water demands throughout the City. The Water Works Board of the City of Auburn has sufficient water supplies to meet the regular needs of its customers; however, if the current demand on water for landscape and irrigation practices continues, it will put a strain on the water supply. Effective immediately, the Water Works Board is asking customers to participate in voluntary outdoor water restrictions based on the odd/even street number system. Customers with an even number street address are asked to water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Customers with an odd number street address are asked to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. There should be no outdoor watering on Sundays. The Water Works Board has an ample supply of water to meet the day-to-day needs of its customers for public health and emergency purposes; however, the Board is asking customers to be responsible stewards of our natural resources and participate in the voluntary restrictions in an effort to control excessive water use and eliminate the need for mandatory restrictions. After a two week trial period of the voluntary restrictions, the Water Works Board will reevaluate the situation to determine if mandatory restrictions will be necessary.

Customers are reminded of the following steps to make the most efficient use of watering year-round, especially during voluntary restrictions:

* Do not water your street, driveway, or sidewalk. Position your sprinklers so that your water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not the paved areas.

* Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Your garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn off the water.

* Water during off-peak demand hours, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

* Check sprinklers and outside water connections for leaks.

The American Water Works Association defines water conservation as doing more with less, not doing without. By working together, we can help preserve Auburn’s water supply year round and possibly prevent the need for mandatory water restrictions.

For more information, please contact the Water Works Board of the City of Auburn at 501-3060.

Source: AuburnAlabama.org

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