Did you know that one household leak could amount to 90 gallons per day in nonrevenue water? According the EPA (WaterSense, USEPA), up to 6 billion gallons of water per day are lost to leaks and damaged conveyance systems. To put that in perspective, that same amount of water would be more than enough to satisfy the thirst of 10 of the country’s largest urban centers. It’s the antithesis of efficiency and an appalling misuse of one of our most valuable resources. And don’t forget that this “lost” water brings with it a host of other costs, including the energy and fossil fuels required to treat and transport all of that water. The cost is astronomical, both in terms of actual dollars, but also in greenhouse gas emissions and our continued dependence on foreign oil.
This week marks the beginning of the EPA’s third annual “Fix a Leak Week.” In a statement announcing the event, the EPA cited this startling statistic: “Across the country, household leaks waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water per year—enough to supply the water needs of Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles combined.”
“Fix a Leak Week” runs from March 14 though March 20th, and the EPA hopes that this event will inspire homeowners to check for leaks, while at the same time raising awareness for many of the WaterSense partners and programs available to consumers. And since we’re all paying closer attention to our bottom line, it makes sense to tout the fact that, according to the EPA, “easily corrected household leaks can increase homeowners’ water bills by 12%.”
EPA’s “Fix a Leak Week” tips include:
* Check for leaks. Silent toilet leaks can be found by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots, too.
* Twist and tighten pipe connections. To save even more water without a noticeable difference in flow, twist on a WaterSense-labeled faucet aerator or showerhead.
* Replace the fixture if necessary. Look for the WaterSense label when replacing plumbing fixtures, which are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.
In a statement announcing “Fix a Leak Week,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson says, “When households have a leak, it’s not just a waste of water, it’s a waste of money. But by fixing leaky pipes, buying WaterSense products, and taking other simple steps, families can save on their water bills and conserve clean water for future generations to enjoy.”
For more information on “Fix a Leak Week:” www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak
For more information on WaterSense: www.epa.gov/watersense