LIHU‘E — In light of the fact that minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in American homes, the county Department of Water is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” from March 15
LIHU‘E — In light of the fact that minor water leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water wasted each year in American homes, the county Department of Water is promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” from March 15 to 21, a DOW press release states.
Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program as an annual reminder to Americans to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.
“Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted in a home every year — that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” DOW Manager and Chief Engineer David Craddick said in the release.
He noted that during “Fix a Leak Weak,” DOW personnel will be available to answer any questions on this topic at the upcoming Contractors Association of Kaua’i Home Show. The event is scheduled Friday, March 19, 2:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall.
Water-saving tips offered by the Department of Water and the WaterSense program include:
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 year.
DOW encourages homeowners who need to replace plumbing fixtures to look for the WaterSense label. Toilets, faucets, and soon showerheads with the WaterSense label have been independently tested and certified to meet EPA criteria for water efficiency and performance.
Certified landscape irrigation auditors, designers, installers, and maintenance professionals are also partners in the WaterSense labeled program.
For a complete list of WaterSense labeled products and irrigation and builder partners, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.
For more information on Fix a Leak Week, go to www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.
