It's important to fix any water leaks promptly

 

March 23, 2022



Illinois American Water is dropping helpful tips to customers about leaks and other water issues that contribute to water waste within homes and businesses.

According to the EPA, the average residence in the U.S. loses 10,000 gallons of water per year thanks to seemingly minor leaks. With more than 110 million households in the U.S., this equates to more than one trillion gallons of water lost every year due to leaks in the home. It is estimated that the average homeowner can reduce their water bills by 10 percent by addressing leaks.

“Many people may not realize that even the smallest leaks can waste thousands of gallons per year, every drop adds up,” said Beth Matthews, vice president of operations for Illinois American Water. “If every one of our Illinois customers fixed a household leak, they could contribute to millions, or even billions, of gallons of water saved in a year.”

Illinois American Water is committed to fixing leaks by replacing or upgrading infrastructure to support water quality, water pressure, system security and service reliability to customers. In 2021 Illinois American Water invested approximately $198 million in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.

Illinois American Water also offers these helpful tips for detecting leaks:

• Check your water bill monthly. If the usage increases to above average and there was no change in your home size, there most likely is a leak.

• Check your water meter 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 most likely is a leak.

• Test your toilet. Leaks can occur in your toilet. Test for one by putting a drop of food coloring into the toilet tank. After 10 minutes, if any color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.

• Check faucet gaskets. 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.

• Check in-ground irrigation systems and hoses. Make sure they weren’t damaged by frost or freezing.

 

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