Don’t wait until the well is dry to know the worth of water!

According to the EPA, 1 trillion gallons of water is wasted nationwide annually. Contributing to this waste is more than 11 million homes with leaks. The most common sources of leaks within the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and damaged valves. All are easily fixed.

Fix a Leak week was created by the Environmental Protection Agency to draw awareness to water loss occurring within American homes. The main goal of this campaign is to educate communities on the importance of addressing leaks in order to conserve water. During Fix a Leak Week, homeowners are encouraged to check for leaks within household appliances and outdoor irrigation systems. Even small leaks can add up over time, leading to significant water waste and higher bills.

The Task Force recognizes the importance of Fix A Leak Week as an opportunity to educate the broader community on water conservation techniques. We understand that environmental stewardship can often seem unachievable at the individual level. However, small personal actions like addressing leaks can help conserve essential resources such as water, reduce overall consumption, and lead to long-term environmental benefits. By making simple changes, individuals can contribute to a collective effort that has a significant impact on preserving water in the Gallatin River for future generations to enjoy.

During Fix a Leak Week, help be part of the solution by taking the 10-Minute Challenge to stop leaks in your home.  Spend just 10 minutes walking through your home to check for leaks, or tackle one small task each day:

• Review your water bill from January or February; if a family of four uses more than 7,000 gallons in a month, you might have a leak.
• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no one is using water. If the meter reading changes, you may have a leak!
• Use pipe tape or a wrench to tighten connections where shower heads are attached.
• Inspect faucet washers and gaskets for wear, and replace them if needed.
• Add a drop of food coloring to the toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl within a few minutes, the flapper may need to be replaced.

Fix-a-Leak Week happens March 17 – 21, and the Task Force will be available on the following dates and locations to help you access Fix A Leak resources and distribute leak detection kits.

Please visit us and learn more about identifying leaks in and outside your home and how we can assist you in switching to WaterSense labeled products.

We hope to see you there! However, if you are unable to make it or have further questions, please reach out to Conservation Manager, Jess Olson, at jessica@gallatinrivertaskforce.org. Visit the EPA’s WaterSense Homepage to learn more about leak prevention and solutions.