Homeowners across Nevada are being reminded to check for leaks during the annual Fix a Leak Week, March 16-22, a campaign organized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency WaterSense Program.
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada supports the effort, noting that household leaks are responsible for nearly 1 trillion gallons of water wasted nationwide each year, roughly equal to the annual use of almost 11 million homes.
“Fixing easily-correctable household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills,” the EPA reports. Common leaks include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other valves, many of which are simple to repair with a few tools.
A leaking showerhead that drips 10 times per minute wastes more than 500 gallons of water annually, enough to wash 60 loads of dishes. Faucets that drip once per second can waste over 3,000 gallons a year, enough for more than 180 showers.
The PUCN recommends several steps for residents to find and fix leaks:
Check for leaks: Inspect faucets, showerheads, spigots, and irrigation systems. Monitoring water use during colder months can help identify serious leaks. A family of four using more than 12,000 gallons per month likely has significant leaks.
Toilet flappers: Worn flappers can allow toilets to flush on their own or leak silently, wasting thousands of gallons each year. Replacing a flapper every five years can prevent leaks and save money.
Replace fixtures if needed: Look for WaterSense-labeled fixtures, certified to use 20 percent less water while performing as well as standard models. Installation can be done by homeowners or local plumbing professionals, and certified irrigation specialists can inspect outdoor systems.
For more information, residents can visit epa.gov/watersense, epa.gov/watersense/fix-leak-week, or puc.nv.gov to find WaterSense products or local auditors.
