It’s Fix a Leak Week! The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual event is March 17-23 this year.
The district encourages its residents and businesses to find and fix water leaks to conserve water and help reduce their water bills. Leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per household each year, and common culprits include dripping faucets, leaking toilets, and broken irrigation systems. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings.
- Outdoor leaks: If you have an in-ground irrigation system, check it each spring before use to make sure it wasn’t damaged by frost or freezing. Irrigation systems can waste as much as 6,300 gallons of water per month.
- Toilet leaks: Old or worn-out toilet flappers (e.g., valve seal) can cause leaks. Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 30 minutes to see if any of the dye appears in the bowl. If it does, your toilet may have a leaking flapper valve.
- Faucet leaks: Old and worn faucet washers and gaskets frequently cause leaks in faucets. A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.
- Showerhead leaks: A showerhead leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. Some leaky showerheads can be fixed by making sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem and by using pipe tape to secure it. Pipe tape, also called Teflon tape, is available at most hardware stores, is easy to apply, and can help control leaks.
- Water saving tips: Retrofitting your faucets with low-flow aerators and replacing showerheads with WaterSense-labeled models can greatly reduce your water use.
The information above was provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. Learn more on finding and repairing leaks, including do it yourself videos.
World Water Day is March 22
World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, emphasizes the significance of freshwater and addresses global water challenges. This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” underscores the vital role glaciers play in the water cycle and their susceptibility to climate change.
Glaciers are essential freshwater reservoirs, supplying water for drinking, agriculture, and energy production. However, accelerated melting due to climate change poses risks such as altered water availability, floods, and sea-level rise. Preserving glaciers is crucial for maintaining water security and mitigating climate impacts.
World Water Day 2025 is an opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibility to protect water resources and address the challenges posed by climate change. Engaging in local events and supporting global initiatives can make a meaningful impact on preserving glaciers and ensuring sustainable water for future generations.