LIHUE — Find a leak, fix a leak.
The Department of Water, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program, announces the 17th anniversary of Fix A Leak Week, which starts on Monday and is observed through March 23.
The announcement was reinforced by a proclamation by Kawakami to Department of Water Manager and Chief Engineer Joseph Tait at the close of February, in which the DOW and Kawakami reminded all government entities, businesses, and residents to regularly check for leaks and make prompt repairs — not just during Fix A Leak Week but every day.
The EPA WaterSense program’s Fix A Leak website reports that household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water annually, leading to inflated water bills and increased household expenses.
Through the proclamation, the county said that the stewardship of our water resources is an essential component of effective water management by the Department of Water and the Board of Water Supply. However, millions of gallons of water are wasted daily through household and commercial leaks in irrigation, toilets, cooling systems, and other water fixtures.
The DOW said that responsible water users should inspect water fixtures regularly and address any repairs in a timely manner. This ensures that water, a precious natural resource, will be available for future generations.
“Every household can play a vital role in Fix a Leak Week by simply checking household plumbing fixtures for leaks,” said Tait. “Most leaks can be easily fixed and do not require a significant investment, yet the impact on water efficiency can be substantial.”
During the Fix a Leak Week, the DOW gives away WaterSense-labeled faucet aerators and shower heads at its Lihue office during regular business hours while supplies last.
Replacing old, inefficient bathroom fixtures with WaterSense-labeled ones can help achieve water efficiency. The WaterSense label certifies that these products use at least 20 percent less water and perform better than standard models. For example, installing a WaterSense-labeled faucet aerator can save the average family 700 gallons of water per year, and a WaterSense-labeled shower head can save 2,700 gallons of water per year.
The DOW and M. Tanaka Store, referred to as Tanaka Hardware, continue to offer free leak-detection toilet tablets throughout the year.
For more information about Fix A Leak Week and other leak detection tips from the EPA WaterSense program, visit the website www.epa.gov/watersense.
