As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing “We’re for Water” campaign, this year’s Fix a Leak Week encourages Americans to help put a stop to the nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted from household leaks each year.
Fix a Leak Week is March 15 to 21, and in support, the Northwestern Water and Sewer District (NWSD) is promoting finding and fixing residential leaks in northwest Ohio.
“Leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water in an average home every year–the amount of water it takes to wash 300 loads of laundry,” said Theresa Pollick, public information director. “As a WaterSense partner, we are encouraging consumers to find and fix leaks to save water in our community.”
The district is encouraging its customers to sign up for AquaHawk, an online tool that allows residents to see their water use. They also can sign up to be notified of high use and possible leaks by text, email or phone.
To help save water for future generations, NWSD is asking consumers to check, twist and replace:
•Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers and other fixtures.
Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank, waiting 10 minutes, and seeing if color appears in the bowl before flushing.
Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too.
•Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections. To save water without a noticeable difference in flow in the bathroom, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.
•Replace the fixture if necessary. Look for WaterSense labeled models, which are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as, or better than, standard models.
In many cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by handy do-it-yourselfers or local plumbing professionals.
Irrigation professionals certified through a Water Sense labeled program can also check systems for leaks.
Visit epa.gov/watersense to find WaterSense labeled products or an auditor in the area.