As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ongoing “We’re for Water” campaign, this year’s Fix a Leak Week encourages Americans to help put a stop to the more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted from household leaks each year.

Sponsored by EPA’s WaterSense program, Fix a Leak Week runs through this Sunday. 

In support of “We’re for Water”, the City of Batavia is promoting finding and fixing residential leaks.

“Leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water in an average home every year—enough water to wash nearly 10 months’ worth of laundry,” said John Dillon, Batavia’s Water Superintendent. “As a WaterSense partner, we are encouraging consumers to find and fix leaks to save water in our community.”

To help save water for future generations, the Batavia Water Division is asking consumers to check, twist, and replace:

*  Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, and fixture connections. Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank and seeing if it appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too.

*  Twist and tighten pipe connections. To save more water without a noticeable difference in flow, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.

*  Replace the fixture if necessary. Look for WaterSense labeled models, which are independently tested and certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.

In many cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by handy do-it-yourselfers, or contact your favorite plumbing professional. 

Irrigation professionals certified through a WaterSense labeled program can also check your system for leaks. Visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find WaterSense labeled products or an auditor  in your area.

The Batavia Water Division is also offering assistance for homeowners needing help to identify leaks. 

A Water Division representative is available to offer advice at the homeowners request. The City can also supply dye water tablets that are useful in identifying water wasting toilet leaks. Call their office at (630) 454-2450.

For more information on Fix a Leak Week come and visit us at the Batavia Public Library on Saturday, March 22, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm or visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the EPA, seeks to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by offering people a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products, new homes, and services. 

Since the program’s inception in 2006 WaterSense has helped consumers save 487 billion gallons of water and $8.9 billion in water and energy bills. For more information visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

–News Bulletin news sources