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Stop the Drops! EPA’s National “Fix-a-Leak Week” Kicks Off in Seattle

Release Date: 03/19/2013
Contact Information: Bevin Horn, EPA/Seattle, 206-553-1566, horn.bevin@epa.gov

(Seattle, WA – March 18, 2013) Every year, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes nationwide. That's equivalent to the total annual water use of Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami combined! Experts estimate that leaks in almost 10 percent of American homes drip away almost 90 gallons of water a day. The usual culprits: leaky toilets, faucets and showerheads.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program is again teaming up with local partners to promote the fifth annual National Fix a Leak Week, March 18-24, 2013.

In cities like Seattle, that can mean up to $200 per year in utility charges literally going down the drain. Finding and fixing leaks is easier than most people think. Most replacement parts can be installed by do-it-yourselfers and quickly pay for themselves. Don’t waste money AND natural resources, fix your drips and leaks and make your wallet watertight!

Here are some ways people can get involved in the Seattle area:

FIX-A-LEAK CLASSROOM CHALLENGE – Students in participating (Seattle & Shoreline) schools will receive a “Fix-A-Leak Week Challenge” form in class from their teacher, who will explain how the program works. Each student will be encouraged to help their families perform the home toilet dye test. The Classroom with the most students participating will earn a private Pizza Party sponsored by SWP (at a place and time of the students’/teachers’ choosing). The School with the highest participation rate will be featured on the Saving Water Partnership website. Contact: Arece Hampton, 206-733-9137, arece.hampton@seattle.gov website: http://www.savingwater.org

TRY “FRUGAL FLUSHING” - Seattle Public Utilities is also holding a “Frugal Flushing” event – aimed at helping apartment building managers, plumbers and larger commercial facilities save water & money - at Ferguson Plumbing (4100 West Marginal Way) on March 20^th Contact: Arece Hampton, 206-733-9137, arece.hampton@seattle.gov

TOILETS TO “DYE” FOR - Cascade Water Alliance (King County) is
Inserting free dye test kits in a Fix-a-Leak Week mailing so ratepayers can test for toilet leaks. They are also continuing workshops to promote water conservation such as drip irrigation and organic gardening. Contact: Mike Brent, 425-453-1810 mbrent@cascadewater.org

For more information about EPA’s WaterSense Program:

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/