The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is celebrating the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Fix a Leak Week” through March 26 by helping water customers save valuable water and money.
“The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, and 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day,” according to the EPA.
To determine if other household water leaks are occurring, DWS customers should check their water meter after turning off all faucets, spigots and household appliances that use water, such as dishwashers. If the meter is still moving, a leak may be present.
Customers should also examine their water bill for spikes in water usage that could indicate an undetected leak.
DWS is giving away free toilet tank leak-detection tablets, while supplies last, during normal business hours at its offices in Hilo, Kona and Waimea.
Toilet leak-detection tablets offer a quick and easy way to check for leaking toilets, which can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day, needlessly increasing customers’ water bills. Toilet leaks are often caused by a worn-out toilet flapper that easily can go undetected. Replacing worn out flappers is an affordable way to reduce water waste.
For additional leak detection and water conservation tips, please visit the DWS website at: www.hawaiidws.org or the Environmental Protection Agency website at: www.epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week.