WaterSense promotes a week to fix leaks

The Laguna Beach County Water District is hoping that customers will take steps to save water by seeking out and fixing leaky faucets and shower heads, running toilets and other water-wasters, according to a news release.

The district is promoting “Fix a Leak Week” Monday through March 21, a program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency. The WaterSense program is an annual reminder to Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks, which account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, according to Renae Hinchey, general manager of the Laguna Beach Water District.

“Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted at home every year “” that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” Hinchey said in a news release. “The district is participating in ‘Fix a Leak Week’ to help homeowners save money on their utility bills and to help save water in our community and for future generations.”

Toilet leaks are the most common source of leaks and can waste as much as 75 gallons of water a day, according to the district. To help customers identify toilet leaks, the district is enclosing leak detection dye strip packets with March and April water bills. In addition, the district’s newsletter, Waves, also included in the bill, focuses on identifying and fixing common household leaks.

To help consumers save water, the district and WaterSense are promoting ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets and leaky shower heads. Among the district’s suggestions to save water:

?Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.

?Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day.

?For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

?Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.

If homeowners have to replace a plumbing fixture, they should look for the WaterSense label, according to the district. WaterSense labeled toilets, faucets and shower heads have been independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models.

WaterSense also partners with certified landscape irrigation auditors, designers, installers and maintenance professionals.

“” Staff Reports