EPA, Hawaii water utilities encourages consumers to Chase Water Waste this week

(03/16/15) WaterSense^® Partners Celebrate Fix a Leak Week March 16-22

SAN FRANCISCO-The average American family could be wasting in excess of 10,000 gallons of water each year due to easy-to-fix household leaks, according to the E.P.A.'s (EPA's) WaterSense program. That amount of water could increase a water bill by as much as ten percent while wasting precious resources. That's why E.P.A. is encouraging consumers to participate in WaterSense's 7th yearly Fix a Leak Week, March 16 through 22, 2015, by finding and fixing leaks around the home.

If every household in Hawaii lost as much as 10,000 gallons of water per year to leaks, residents would be, cumulatively, spending in excess of $48 million dollars on water lost to easily detectible and fixable leaks. According to the U.S. drought monitor's March Third report, over 50% of the state is experiencing drought conditions.

"Finding ways to conserve our precious water is everyone's responsibility," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "Household leaks in Hawaii may account for 5.26 billion gallons of water wasted each year."

By following 3 simple steps-check, twist, and replace-consumers can save water and make their homes more efficient.

Here's how to get started finding and fixing leaks:

Check: Look at your water meter, usually located outside your house, before and after a two-hour period of no water use. If the number has changed, there is likely a leak, which could be as simple to fix as replacing a worn rubber flapper in the toilet tank.

Twist: Fix dripping pipes, fixtures, or hoses by using a wrench to twist and tighten the connections. If needed, pipe tape can help seal shower fixtures or hose connections. Remind everyone in the house to turn faucets and showers off tightly, and check washers and valves for persistent drips.

Replace: For old or inefficient fixtures that are not easily repaired, look for WaterSense labeled models to replace them. These water- and money-saving high-performing products are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water and perform well. You can find the label on the product packaging or the website of your favorite plumbing brand and they are accessible in a variety of styles and prices at home improvement stores.

To help consumers find and fix leaks, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply is hosting a Fix A Leak Week social media campaign that will encourage residents to check for leaks at home and work and to select high-efficiency fixtures wherever possible. Please also check with your local water supplier for more tips.

Visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak to learn more about finding and fixing leaks. The WaterSense Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EPAWatersense also has a map to help you find Fix a Leak Week events in your community.

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