In the average American household, leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of wasted water each year. That’s enough water to fill a backyard swimming pool! To address this unnecessary waste, askHRgreen.org is promoting EPA’s seventh annual “Fix a Leak Week,” March 16-22, and encouraging Hampton Roads residents to put a stop to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks.

“Tap water plays an important part in keeping our communities healthy, safe and economically viable, all at an affordable price,” said Julia B. Hillegass, public information and community affairs administrator for the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, which oversees askHRgreen.org. “Fix a Leak Week is a wake-up call for everyone to check their fixtures and make repairs so that every drop of tap water counts.”

The askHRgreen.org experts recommend implementing the simple “Check, Twist and Replace” test:

1. Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads and fixture connections. Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank to see if it appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and outdoor spigots too.

2. Twist and tighten pipe connections. To save more water, without a noticeable difference in flow, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator or showerhead.
3. 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. For more information on finding and fixing leaks, please visit askHRgreen.org.