{ April 19th, 2010 }
Atlanta Fix-A-Leak Week
Nothing like a "toilet mascot" to draw awareness to your cause.
I was recently reviewing the one page newsletter that came with my monthly water bill, and I came across an “article” on a program called Fix-A-Leak Week. Putting aside for a moment a. the fact that I was reading a newsletter that came with my water bill, b. that Fix-A-Leak Week actually occurred in mid-March and c. the article referenced the fact that the city water department has mascots (Chatty & Hootch, the lovable water drops), the program actually makes sense. To wit:
- Leaks can account for, on average, 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year, which is enough to fill a backyard swimming pool.
- The amount of water leaked from U.S. homes could exceed more than 1 trillion gallons per year. That’s equivalent to the annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami combined.
- Ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day.
- Common types of leaks found in the home include leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. All are easily correctable.
- Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills.
There’s nothing glamorous about water leaks (regardless of what Chatty & Hooch might tell you), but it’s one of those simple home maintenance maneuvers that can help you save some money while also being a good steward of natural resources.
The Relevant Linkage
Learn more about finding and fixing your leaks
Find rebates on water saving faucets and fixtures
Learn more about WaterSense, the EPA water management program
Edit Credit: WaterSense; Photo Credit: AdRants
