Fix a Leak Week Showcases How Americans Can Save Water and Money

(Boston, Mass.-March 16, 2010) Across the country, household leaks are wasting in excess of one trillion gallons of water per year-enough water to supply every home in Texas with its yearly water needs. To help consumers save water and money, E.P.A. is working with water utilities, manufacturers, retailers, communities and plumbers to promote its 2nd yearly Fix a Leak Week, March 15 to 21.

If a family of four's wintertime water use exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, they probably have a leak. In many cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by do-it-yourselfers, a trusted professional plumber, or a WaterSense irrigation partner.

WaterSense, a partnership plan sponsored by EPA, looks for to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water.

In addition, E.P.A. is providing consumers with ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets and leaky showerheads. Here are a few water-saving tips:

- Reduce faucet leaks by checking washers and gaskets for wear and replacing them; if it's necessary to replace a faucet, look for the WaterSense label.
- Silent toilet leaks can be found by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank and checking the bowl for color after a few minutes or before flushing. Replacing a worn rubber flapper is a quick fix, or look for the WaterSense label if you need a new toilet.
- For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection. For a landscape irrigation system, a WaterSense irrigation partner can check it in the spring to make sure fixtures were not damaged by frost or freezing.

In New England, E.P.A. will be joining the City of Salem, Massachusetts as they launch a WaterSense Poster Contest for local school children and recognize the numerous water conservation initiatives the City has undertaken to commemorate Fix a Leak Week.

More information on other Fix a Leak events: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak

More information on WaterSense: http://www.epa.gov/watersense

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