Eliminating Leaks Today, Ensures Water for Tomorrow

One of the simplest but essential tasks we can do as residential water consumers is to maintain a water-efficient home. By doing so, we minimize water waste and conserve energy which then reduces our water and sewer costs. When it comes to saving water, we must all do our part, and even small steps like fixing household leaks can have a significant impact, but sometimes it's hard to know exactly where to start.

Locally, there are multiple resources to help you be more efficient and fix those leaks. The AMWUA cities have worked hard to provide resources to residents and businesses to help save water. They have professional staff  available to offer advice and insight into the simple process of finding and fixing leaks, both indoors and out. 

An essential resource that walks you through the step-by-step process of tracking down leaks using the isolation method and provides links to helpful DIY repair videos is the Smart Home Water Guide  website. It was created by the ten AMWUA cities' water conservation staff, who translated their experience, knowledge, and methods into short and clearly illustrated lessons anyone can understand to help fix leaks and save water. The Smart Home Water Guide website's valuable information is also available in Spanish on the Guia Para Detectar Fugas  website.

Both websites show homeowners how to find leaks inside and outside - and how even the least talented do-it-yourselfers can utilize the methods highlighted to better understand precisely how simple it can be to fix leaks. Both websites also include a helpful glossary that contains the vocabulary most often used by professionals in the industry, so homeowners are knowledgeable about the basics when explaining problems to plumbers and landscapers.

Fixing common household leaks, including leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets, irrigation sprinklers, and other leaking valves can help save ten percent or more water. It's estimated that leaks account for more than one trillion gallons of water waste across the country every year.

While we have a strong water conservation ethic here in the Valley, we can all use a friendly reminder to check for leaks and learn new ways to save water, and the EPA's Fix A Leak Week seems like a perfect time to do so.

Want to Dive Deeper into Your Household Water-Use?
Many things impact each household's unique water use. The AMWUA Water Use Calculator allows you to enter a few pieces of information about your household's water use habits. This tool will estimate how much water you need for optimal monthly water usage based on the information you provide. And when you understand your monthly water use, a higher-than-average water bill can also signal a leak or act as a simple reminder to practice water conservation regularly.

For over 50 years, Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities' ability to provide assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies to their communities. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org .