Easy-to-fix household leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year across the United States, equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes. In the race against water waste, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging people to fix household water leaks during the sixth annual Fix-a-Leak Week, March 17 through 23, 2014.
Water leaking from dripping faucets, showerheads and faulty toilet flappers in an average American home can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, or the amount of water needed to wash 270 loads of laundry. Leaks like these can often be easily fixed as DIY projects, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can quickly pay for itself in savings. Fixing household water leaks can save homeowners up to 10 percent on their water bills.
According to EPA organizers, finding and fixing leaks is simple to do:
Check for leaks: Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, and fixture connections. Check irrigation systems and spigots too.
Twist and tighten pipe connections: Make sure there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem. It may just need a twist to tighten or some pipe tape to secure it.
Replace Worn Out Fixtures: If it's time for an upgrade, look for models bearing the WaterSense label, which are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.
CITY OF PORTLAND - The Portland Regional Water Consortium/Portland Water Bureau PWRC is offering an Energy & Water Month Water Savings Workshop lunchtime event with the Rental Housing Association of Greater Portland (http://rhagp.org/node/294) on March 19th in Tigard. The Regional Water Providers Consortium is offering free indoor water saving kits to customers who are served by its 22 water provider members. To see if you qualify in the Portland area, visit: http://www.conserveh2o.org/consortium-members
