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USI Social Media Symposium to virtually host award-winning Australian social media professional

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WHO: Dr. Karen Sutherland, Senior Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, will present the keynote presentation. In addition to her role at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, she is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy, author of the award-winning text, Strategic Social Media Management – Theory and Practice, co-author of Public Relations and Strategic Communication and has contributed to the forthcoming book, Transmedia Brand Storytelling – From Theory to Practice. Sutherland is also the co-founder and Social Media Specialist at Dharana Digital, a specialized marketing agency that assists health and wellness coaches in obtaining leads by providing customized training in social media, web design and SEO.

WHAT: Each Spring Semester, the USI College of Liberal Arts, Foundation and Communications and Media Department present the Social Media Symposium, featuring a presentation focusing on the impact of social media on communications.

Sutherland’s virtual presentation is titled, “Social Media in Australia: Trends, Habits, Education and Employability.”

WHEN: The virtual presentation will begin at 6 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, March 22.

Sutherland will be available for virtual media interviews ahead of her presentation from 5:40-5:55 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, March 22.

Please RSVP to me by noon today, Wednesday, March 22. A Zoom link will be provided via email this afternoon.

WHERE: The virtual presentation will be presented live in Carter Hall, located in University Center West.

 

 

Senator Braun ranked the most effective first-term Republican Senator

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Senator Braun ranked the most effective first-term Republican Senator, the top ten most effective Republican in Senate by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking has released its 117th Congress (2021-2022) rankings today with high rankings for Senator Mike Braun.

  • Senator Braun made the Top Ten List for Most Effective Senate Republicans at number 6. The Senators above him on the list have all served over 12 years in Congress; Senator Braun has served 4.
  • Senator Braun was the highest-ranked Republican on the “Freshman Senators Exceeding Expectations” list.
  • In individual policy areas, Senator Braun was ranked the Most Effective Republican Senator in Agriculture and the Most Effective Republican Senator in Health.

The Center for Effective Lawmaking made special mention of Senator Braun’s legislative effectiveness in their report:

“Also new to our top-10 list is Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana, who first entered the Senate in the previous 116th Congress. Though relatively junior, Sen. Braun introduced 80 bills, 20 of which engaged with health policy. He ultimately saw four of his bills pass the Senate, and three of them become law.” – Craig Volden and Alan Wiseman, Co-Directors, Center for Effective Lawmaking

The Center for Effective Lawmaking is a nonpartisan research organization directed through a partnership between the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University. Their effectiveness ratings for lawmakers are widely cited among the Capitol Hill press.

The Center for Effective Lawmaking was the same research group that previously ranked Senator Braun’s predecessor as the least effective Democrat in the Senate.

Senator Braun made this statement on his rankings:

“I told Hoosiers I would get to work and get results, and that’s what I’ve done every day since I left my business to go work for you in the Senate. I’m proud to be one of the Top Ten Most Effective Republicans in the Senate, and the Most Effective Republican in Agriculture and Health, two issues that matter so much for Indiana.” – Senator Mike Braun

For more information on the bills Senator Braun authored that have become law, see his 2022 Solutions Update:https://www.braun.senate.gov/working-hoosiers

Todd Rokita secures more than $250,000 in settlement

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Attorney General Todd Rokita secures more than $250,000 settlement against Indiana companies making deceptive and unlicensed loans

Thanks, Department of Financial Institutions for their leadership and cooperation

March 22, 2023

Attorney General Todd Rokita, in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), has obtained a settlement of more than $250,000 from a group of Indiana companies that originated deceptive and unlicensed personal loans to Hoosiers purchasing vehicles.

The defendants — Integrity Acceptance Corp. and related entities — extended loans to Indiana consumers who bought vehicles from Empire Auto Group.

“Our team works relentlessly to protect Hoosiers from unfair and deceptive business practices,” Attorney General Rokita said. “We’re here to uphold the rule of law and make sure violators are held accountable, and it’s always a good day when justice prevails.”

Integrity Acceptance Corp. and related entities provided personal loans to consumers to finance taxes and down payments associated with vehicle purchases. One company lacked the required license from DFI to originate and service such personal loans and also committed other violations of Indiana law — including contracting for charges in excess of the maximum allowable rate, misrepresenting finance charges and failing to disclose prepaid finance charges.

The companies’ actions violated the Indiana Uniform Consumer Credit Code and Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

As part of the settlement, the various Integrity Acceptance entities will forgive consumer loans totaling $223,685, pay consumer restitution in the amount of $33,991, and pay civil penalties and costs to the State of Indiana in the amount of $33,000. The Integrity Acceptance entities and their owners are also prohibited from engaging in similar conduct in the future.

Defendants in the settlement are Integrity Acceptance Corp., Integrity Acceptance LLC, Empire Auto Group Limited, Shawn Lessor, Amy Lair-Lessor and Brandi Pierson.

Consumers who believe they have encountered wrongful business practices are encouraged to file complaints with the Attorney General at www.in.gov/attorneygeneral.

In addition, consumers may file complaints regarding financing issues with DFI at https://www.in.gov/dfi/file-a-complaint/.

“I appreciate the DFI’s good work in helping resolve these issues for the benefit of Hoosiers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “This case proves once again that collaboration and teamwork often produce very positive outcomes.”

USI to host annual Law Day featuring oral argument and Q&A session

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The University of Southern Indiana College of Liberal Arts and the Political Science, Public Administration and Philosophy departments are proud to present the annual Law Day on Thursday, March 23 in Carter Hall. The event offers a unique opportunity for USI students, local high school students and the Evansville community to witness the legal system in action and interact with public officials. The event is open to the public at no charge.

A full schedule of the day’s events is below:

10 a.m.: Indiana Court of Appeals Oral Argument

The Indiana Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in Kriss Bauman v. State of Indiana.

Kriss Bauman ran over a motorcyclist; he was then placed in a police vehicle, read his Miranda rights, handcuffed and read the implied consent law. His request to phone his attorney was denied by officers. Bauman eventually consented to a blood draw, which revealed the presence of methamphetamine. He now challenges the blood draw as lacking the consent required. The State counters that Bauman’s consent was implied by statute. Bauman further contends that the trial court erroneously admitted testimony that he had been chasing the motorcycle with the intent to run it over.

3 p.m.: Q&A with Diana Moers, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor

Diana Moers, Vanderburgh County Prosecutor, will be interviewed by Dr. Nick LaRowe, USI Professor of Political Science and Pre-Law Coordinator. Moers was sworn into office on January 1, 2023. Prior to being elected prosecuting attorney, Moers was a Deputy Attorney General for the state of Indiana.

14 health systems with strong finances

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14 health systems with strong finances

Andrew Cass – BECKER HEALTHCARE 

March 22, 2023

Here are 14 health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to reports from credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, and S&P Global.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Health system names were compiled from credit rating reports.

1. Ascension has an “AA+” rating and a stable outlook with Fitch. The St. Louis-based system’s rating is driven by multiple factors, including a strong financial profile assessment, national size, and scale with a significant market presence in several key markets, which produce unique credit features not typically seen in the sector, Fitch said.

2. Berkshire Health has an “AA-” rating and a stable outlook with Fitch. The Pittsfield, Mass.-based system has a strong financial profile, solid liquidity, and modest leverage, according to Fitch.

3. ChristianaCare has an “Aa2” rating and stable outlook with Moody’s. The Newark, Del.-based system has a unique position with the state’s largest teaching hospital and extensive clinical depth that affords strong regional and statewide market capture, and it is expected to return to near pre-pandemic level margins over the medium term, Moody’s said.

4. Cone Health has an “AA” rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The rating reflects the expectation that the Greensboro, N.C.-based system will gradually return to stronger results in the medium term, the rating agency said.

5. Harris Health System has an “AA” rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The Houston-based system has a “very strong” revenue defensibility, primarily based on the district’s significant taxing margin that provides support for operations and debt service, Fitch said.

6. Johns Hopkins Medicine has an “AA-” rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The Baltimore-based system has a strong financial role as a major provider in the Central Maryland and Washington, D.C., market, supported by its excellent clinical reputation with a regional, national and international reach, Fitch said.

7. Orlando (Fla.) Health has an “AA-” and a stable outlook with Fitch. The system’s upgrade from “A+” reflects the continued strength of the health system’s operating performance, growth in unrestricted liquidity and excellent market position in a demographically favorable market, Fitch said.

8. Rady Children’s Hospital has an “AA” rating and a stable outlook with Fitch. The San Diego-based hospital has a very strong balance sheet position and operating performance and is also a leading provider of pediatric services in the growing city and tri-county service area, Fitch said.

9. Rush System for Health has an “AA-” and stable outlook with Fitch. The Chicago-based system has a strong financial profile despite ongoing labor issues and inflationary pressures, Fitch said.

10. Salem (Ore.) Health has an “AA-” rating and a stable outlook with Fitch. The system has a “very strong” financial profile and a leading market share position, Fitch said.

11. TriHealth has an “AA-” rating and a stable outlook with Fitch. The rating reflects the Cincinnati-based system’s strong financial and operating profiles, as well as its broad reach, high-acuity services and stable market position in a highly fragmented and competitive market, Fitch said.

12. UCHealth has an “AA” rating and a stable outlook with Fitch. The Aurora, Colo.-based system’s margins are expected to remain robust, and the operating risk assessment remains strong, Fitch said.

13. University of Kansas Health System has an “AA-” rating and stable outlook with S&P Global. The Kansas City-based system has a solid market presence, good financial profile and solid management team, though some balance sheet figures remain relatively weak to peers, the rating agency said.

14. Willis-Knighton Health System has an “AA-” rating and stable outlook with Fitch. The Shreveport, La.-based system has a “dominant inpatient market position” and is well positioned to manage operating pressures, Fitch said.

Capobianco Named Academic All-America Team Member of Year, Five Hoosiers Make Teams

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 MINNEAPOLIS – Indiana swimming and diving fifth-year senior Andrew Capobianco was named the Division-I Academic All-America Team Member of the Year as well as one of five of IU’s Academic All-Americans announced this week by the College Sports Communicators (CSC).

The Academic All-America program celebrates the combination of athletic and academic achievement. Nominated student-athletes have a cumulative GPA above 3.50 and are a starter or important reserve for their team.

Now in his fifth season at Indiana, Capobianco has earned a 3.58 cumulative GPA as an exercise science major, is a four-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and was a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and third-team Academic All-American in 2019. On the boards, Capobianco is a two-time 3-meter diving champion, four-time NCAA medalist, 10-time All-American, three-time Big Ten Diver of the Year, three-time Big Ten Diver of the Championships, five-time Big Ten champion and four-time Big Ten team champion. A tribute to his leadership, Capobianco was named IU’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award winner during the conference meet this season.

Now, Capobianco is the top Academic All-American in Division I.

He joins four teammates on Academic All-America teams. Sophomore Josh Matheny is a second-team selection for the men, earning a 3.77 GPA thus far as an economics major. Matheny is a two-time All-American coming into his second NCAA Championships this week, was a national runner-up in the 400 medley relay last year and has helped IU to Big Ten team titles in each of his first two seasons.

Three Hoosiers made the women’s Academic All-America teams, the most in the Big Ten. Junior Anne Fowler and senior Noelle Peplowski were picked for the first team, while sophomore Ching Hwee Gan earned a third-team selection.

At last week’s NCAA Championships, Fowler earned her first NCAA medal with a runner-up performance on the 3-meter springboard. Fowler won Big Ten Championships on 1-meter and 3-meter and reached the podium on platform as well to be named the Big Ten Diver of the Championships. The Burke, Virginia, native is a three-time All-American and three-time Big Ten Champion and owns a 3.99 GPA while studying health care management and policy.

Peplowski is an 11-time All-American after finishing up her final NCAA meet last week. The fifth-year senior finished fifth in the 200-yard breaststroke, a career-high finish in her final collegiate swim. Academically, Peplowski has earned as 3.88 GPA as a sports marketing and management major.

Ching Hwee Gan earned a spot on the team with a 4.00 GPA in nutrition science. The sophomore had a glowing performance at the NCAA Championships last week as IU’s top scorer and a first-team All-American in all four events she swam. Gan earned a silver medal finish in her final swim of the meet, the 1,650-yard freestyle, despite coming in as the No. 8-seeded swimmer in the event.

EVEN GOP HOUSE EDUCATION AND BUDGET COMMITTEE SCHOOL DISTRICTS LOSE ON TEXTBOOK FUNDING GIMMICK

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EVEN GOP HOUSE EDUCATION AND BUDGET COMMITTEE SCHOOL DISTRICTS LOSE ON TEXTBOOK FUNDING GIMMICK

PHIL GIAQUINTA, Indiana House Democratic Leader From Fort Wayne

MARCH 22, 2023

INDIANAPOLIS – Due to an accounting ploy by Indiana House Republicans, traditional K-12 schools across the state, including in GOP districts, will be on the hook financially for students’ textbook costs and saddled with an effective budget cut. Indiana House Democrats today called attention to just how much schools in Republican districts have to lose under the plan passed unanimously by their GOP representation at the Statehouse. To show the figures, Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) pointed to the education and budget committee’s district losses which reach into the millions.

The House GOP plans to fulfill Gov. Eric Holcomb’s promise for free textbooks by putting the burden on cash-strapped public schools. The proposed budget eliminates textbook funding and instead will force schools to pay for the cost of textbooks out of their state funding, even for students on free and reduced lunches, which the state currently covers.

On the surface, most public school districts are receiving some sort of an increase in base student funding from 2023 to 2024. Because of the textbook provision, however, that increase is either slashed or turns negative once textbook costs are factored in. Given inflation is at 6.0%, most school districts are thus receiving a practical funding cut.

Below are tables that break down the funding cuts that will be experienced by all Republican-represented Indiana House districts, with representation on the education or budget committees, once the textbook fees are factored in. Attached to this press release is further information on these calculations.

Indiana House Education Committee: 

State

Rep.

 FY 2023 Base Student Funding FY 2024 Base Student Funding Percentage Change New Textbook Costs for FY 2024 Percentage Change with Textbook Costs Factored in Percent adjusted for inflation

(Inflation: 6.0%)
Behning (91) 507,640,424 522,905,288 3.01% 5,464,377 1.93% + 4.07% –
Carbaugh (81) 253,095,843 258,220,881 2.02% 3,571,795 0.61% + 5.39% –
Cash (25) 134,879,120 142,879,831 5.93% 1,958,292 4.48% + 1.52% –
Davis (54) 134,127,367 140,244,781 4.56% 2,336,766 2.82% + 3.18% –
Goodrich (29) 361,318,864 376,520,412 4.21% 5,960,322 2.56% + 3.44% –
Jordan (17) 104,278,872 106,928,705 2.54% 1,933,083 0.69% + 5.31% –
McGuire (93) 439,051,477 452,664,532 3.10% 4,774,701 2.01% + 3.99% –
Payne (66) 124,944,563 128,289,023 2.68% 2,044,645 1.04% + 4.96% - 
Teshka (7) 261,851,686 264,708,994 1.09% + 3,793,620 0.36% – 6.36% –

Indiana House Ways and Means Committee: 

State

Rep.

 FY 2023 Base Student Funding FY 2024 Base Student Funding Percentage Change New Textbook Costs for FY 2024 Percentage Change with Textbook Costs Factored in Percent adjusted for inflation

(Inflation: 6.0%)
Thompson (28) 172,195,627 180,602,580 4.88% + 3,635,750 2.77% + 3.23% –
Cherry (53) 165,475,378 170,429,416 2.99% + 2,713,272 1.35% + 4.65% - 
Jordan (17) 104,278,872 106,928,705 2.54% + 1,933,083 0.69% + 5.31% –
Heine (85) 320,724,315 328,050,680 2.28% + 4,311,219 0.94% + 5.06% - 
Heaton (46) 172,184,678 176,663,993 2.60% + 2,560,374 1.11% + 4.89% –
Goodrich (29) 361,318,864 376,520,412 4.21% + 5,960,322 2.56% + 3.44% –
Baird (44) 78,117,505 81,436,945 4.25% + 1,247,355 2.65% + 3.35% –
Judy (83) 282,027,167 288,103,529 2.15% + 3,645,832 0.86% + 5.14% –
Mayfield (60) 212,035,871 219,657,754 3.59% + 3,592,642 1.90% + 4.1% –
O’Brien (78) 216,514,003 220,145,295 1.68% + 2,613,946 0.47% + 5.53% –
Prescott (33) 135,266,757 151,621,693 12.09% + 1,568,211 10.93% + 4.93% +
Rowray (35) 135,230,507 139,058,086 2.83% + 2,371,922 1.08% + 4.92% –
Slager (15) 89,804,942 92,386,878 2.88% + 2,997,932 0.46% – 6.46% –
Smaltz (52) 84,692,647 86,130,416 1.70% + 1,470,513 0.04% – 6.04% –
Snow (22) 117,357,992 119,561,212 1.88% + 2,141,482 0.05% + 5.95% –

“I don’t like to make a habit out of commenting on other districts’ affairs, but it’s imperative that Hoosiers across the state understand just how harmful this proposal will be and what’s at stake,” House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) said. “Too often, rural, suburban and urban school districts are pitted against each other. But the majority of our public school districts, which serve 90% of Hoosier kids, are getting a bad deal here. We must unite to stand up for our kids and say no to draining our schools of vital resources.

“I’m confused by House Republicans’ reluctance to give all schools a cost-of-inflation raise given their professed outrage over the past year’s inflation. Most schools are receiving less than a 6% increase, which would not keep up with current rates of inflation. It makes you wonder whether they’re really all that interested in turning their inflation complaints into action on behalf of their constituents, let alone all Hoosiers, despite being in charge of all branches of our government.

“House Republicans frequently gloat about Indiana’s lucrative surplus, but what good is a surplus if we don’t use it to help enhance the lives of our constituents and bolster programs such as public education? This scheme to deduct the cost of textbooks from a school’s annual budget is not only dishonest, it takes away from the resources schools have to give our children the best possible education.

“I am calling on my colleagues in the Senate to adopt Governor Holcomb’s original textbook proposal to avoid adverse effects on Hoosier school districts.”

As part of the House Republican budget proposal, this provision has passed out of the House and is now under consideration by the Senate. GiaQuinta encourages all concerned parents and residents to contact their state representative and senator to express dissatisfaction with the proposal.

FOOTNOTE:  The City-County Observer posted this article without bias or editing.

 

USI Social Media Symposium to virtually host award-winning Australian social media professional

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USI Social Media Symposium to virtual host award-winning Australian social media professional

March 21, 2023

WHO: Dr. Karen Sutherland, Senior Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, will present the keynote presentation. In addition to her role at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, she is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy, author of the award-winning text, Strategic Social Media Management – Theory and Practice, co-author of Public Relations and Strategic Communication and has contributed to the forthcoming book, Transmedia Brand Storytelling – From Theory to Practice. Sutherland is also the co-founder and Social Media Specialist at Dharana Digital, a specialized marketing agency that assists health and wellness coaches in obtaining leads by providing customized training in social media, web design, and SEO.

WHAT: Each Spring Semester, the USI College of Liberal Arts, Foundation and Communications and Media Department presents the Social Media Symposium, featuring a presentation focusing on the impact of social media on communications.

Sutherland’s virtual presentation is titled, “Social Media in Australia: Trends, Habits, Education and Employability.”

WHEN: The virtual presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22.

Sutherland will be available for virtual media interviews ahead of her presentation from 5:40-5:55 p.m. Wednesday, March 22.

Please RSVP to me by noon Wednesday, March 22. A Zoom link will be provided via email the afternoon of the event.

WHERE: The virtual presentation will be presented live in Carter Hall, located in University Center West.

Founded in 1965, the University of Southern Indiana enrolls more than 9,700 dual credit, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students in more than 130 areas of study. A public higher education institution, located on a beautiful 1,400-acre campus in Evansville, Indiana, USI offers programs through the College of Liberal Arts, Romain College of Business, College of Nursing and Health Professions and the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. USI is a Carnegie Foundation Community Engaged University and offers continuing education and special programs to more than 15,000 participants annually through Outreach and Engagement. USI is online at www.usi.edu.

 

United States Seeks Preliminary Injunction Against Denka Performance Elastomer to Immediately Reduce Chloroprene Emissions

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WASHINGTON (March 20, 2023) – Today, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), filed a motion for preliminary injunction under the Clean Air Act (CAA) requesting that the Court order Denka Performance Elastomer LLC (Denka) to require significant pollution controls to reduce chloroprene emissions, a pollutant that EPA has determined to be a likely carcinogen. The request for immediate relief by EPA and the Justice Department follows the United States’ complaint filed on Feb. 28, alleging an imminent and substantial endangerment to the communities surrounding the facility as a result of Denka’s manufacturing operations.

The Clean Air Act section 303 imminent and substantial endangerment lawsuit is currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

“All communities deserve to breathe fresh, clean air, it is one of EPA’s top priorities as we work to protect human health and the environment,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This is another action that sends a clear message that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to the health and safety of St. John the Baptist Parish, and I will continue to pledge that EPA will use all legal remedies available to reduce harmful air pollution in this community.”

“Today’s motion asks the court to require Denka to take strong action to protect neighboring communities from the urgent dangers caused by its harmful emissions,” said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This action shows our determination to address environmental justice concerns of overburdened communities, and to protect children living and studying today near this facility.”

Denka’s facility, located in St. John the Baptist Parish, Louisiana, manufactures neoprene, a flexible, synthetic rubber used to produce common goods like wetsuits, beverage cozies, laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, and automotive belts and hoses. Chloroprene is a liquid raw material used to produce neoprene that is emitted into the air from various areas at the facility.

“As Regional Administrator, I am committed to reducing exposure to chloroprene in St. John the Baptist Parish,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance. “Transparent engagement with the community is a top priority because people who live near Denka deserve to understand the purpose of the motion filed today and what EPA hopes to achieve by bringing this Clean Air Act Imminent and Substantial Endangerment case.”

In 2010, EPA published its peer-reviewed assessment of chloroprene that concluded it is “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.” Approximately 20% of the total population living within two-and-a-half miles of Denka are children under the age of 18, and between 800-1,000 are children under the age of five. Children under the age of 16 are particularly vulnerable to mutagenic carcinogens like chloroprene. Denka’s chloroprene emissions reach more than 300 young children who attend the 5th Ward Elementary School, located within approximately 450 feet of Denka’s facility. Additionally, 1,200 children who attend East St. John High School, located about a mile-and-a-half north of Denka, are also exposed to the facility’s chloroprene emissions.

WaterSense and Its Partners Encourage Homeowners to Fight Water Waste for the 15th Fix a Leak Week

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Easy-to-fix household leaks waste billions of gallons of water across the country each year

WASHINGTON (March 20, 2023) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program is encouraging consumers and businesses to celebrate the 15th annual Fix a Leak Week, March 20 through 26, by finding and fixing plumbing leaks in their homes and improving irrigation systems for their landscapes.

“This Fix a Leak Week, I invite you to spend a few minutes checking for leaks around your home,” said the Director for the EPA Office of Wastewater Management Dr. Andrew Sawyers. “Over the past 15 years, WaterSense partners have engaged their communities to find and fix leaks – helping people save water and money.”

To help stop leaks that can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year in the average home, WaterSense partners from coast to coast are hosting community events, educational workshops, public service announcements, and other efforts to show homeowners how to stop water waste and make their water bills more affordable by checking for leaks.

Because toilets are often a source of leaks, EPA recommends checking for silent toilet leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank and waiting 10 minutes before flushing. If dye is visible in the bowl, there is a leak that may be easily fixed by replacing a worn flapper.

With spring here, EPA recommends checking irrigation components that may have been damaged by winter’s cold. A “sprinkler spruce-up” that checks for broken parts, connects system components tightly to avoid leaks, and directs sprinklers to spray on landscapes can help reduce water waste outdoors.

If any fixtures require replacement, look for models that have earned EPA’s WaterSense label. The WaterSense label is your guide to identify products, programs, and homes that are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water and perform as well or better than standard models.

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