Indiana American Water recently partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote “Fix a Leak Week,” which runs through March 26. The national campaign, part of the EPA’s WaterSense program, raises awareness about small leaks and other water waste that might be occurring within homes.
As a Fix a Leak Week partner, Indiana American Water is offering advice to reduce the amount of water lost to household leaks. “Even the smallest leaks can waste thousands of gallons per year, resulting in a large impact on your water bill,” said Indiana American Water President Deborah Dewey. “Being proactive in checking for leaks and fixing them in a timely manner not only makes you a more environmentally conscious consumer, but also saves money on your monthly water bill.”
Indiana American Water customers can access water-saving tips online on the company’s website at www.indianaamwater.com, and its social media outlets. Customers recently received an insert in their bills from Indiana American Water on finding and fixing leaks in their plumbing system. Additionally, a new video about “Silent Leaks” in the home highlights those small household leaks that, after time, can add up to wasted water and wasted money. The video is posted on YouTube at https://youtu.be/i-xHh9oSt1g
Dewey said Indiana American Water conducts ongoing customer education about wise water use to help preserve water supplies. She recommends the following tips to address costly household leaks:
- Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.
- Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and replace them, or, 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 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.
- Tighten connections on your showerheads if drips appear when the shower is off.
- Check your garden and lawn irrigation system for leaks, or hire a certified WaterSense expert to check it for you.
- Consider installing water and energy-efficient appliances. The EPA reports that certified Energy Star washing machines use up to 35 percent less water per load. Water-saving shower heads, toilets and faucet aerators also help cut your water usage.
Homeowners can also download a copy of the company’s Leak Detection Kit, highlighting common areas for leaks, from the company’s website under the Water Information tab.
If homeowners have to replace plumbing fixtures, look for the WaterSense label. WaterSense-labeled toilets and faucets are independently tested and certified to save water and perform as well as or better than standard models. Visit www.epa.gov/watersense for more information.
About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly-traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.