EPA estimates typical household leak loses 10,000 gallons per year
GREENWOOD, IND. ― (March 18, 2020) ― Indiana American Water is encouraging
customers to decrease water waste and save on their bills by fixing household water leaks
during the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fix-a-Leak Week. The annual awareness
campaign, organized by EPA’s WaterSense program, is being observed this week through
March 22, 2020.
“Fix-a-Leak Week is all about empowering people to save water and money,” said Indiana
American Water President Matt Prine. “A small investment of time and a few dollars to repair
plumbing and fixture leaks can really pay off in the long run by reducing water and sewer bills.”
According to the EPA, the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of
water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more
per day. The most common types of leaks result from worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and
other leaking valves. Fixing these leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water
bills.
Indiana American Water offers these tips for detecting water leaks:
• Assess your water usage during a colder month. If a family of four uses more than
12,000 gallons during the month, there is likely at least one—or more likely several—
serious leaks.
• If your water meter is accessible, check it at the start and end of a two-hour period
during which no water is being used (i.e. when no one is home). If the meter changes,
there is most likely a leak.
• Place a drop of food coloring in your toilet tank and see if the water in the bowl changes
colors within 10 minutes.
• At least once a season, and especially after extreme temperature changes, check faucet
gaskets and pipe fittings for surface leaks, indicated by water on the exterior of the
pipes.
To further assist customers with at-home leak repairs and prevention, American Water has also
produced a helpful infographic including tips on finding and fixing common, and some not-so-
common, indoor and outdoor water leaks. A downloadable leak detection kit is also available
online through Indiana American Water’s website at www.indianaamwater.com.
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 1.34 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 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide
regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million
people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services
to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit
amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.