Birch Bay Water and Sewer District

Because minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in U.S. homes, the City of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District are promoting “Fix a Leak Week,” March 15 through 21, 2010. Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense^® program as an annual reminder to Americans to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.

“Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted at home every year—that’s enough to fill a backyard swimming pool,” said Emily Resch, District Water Conservation Specialist. “The City and District are participating in Fix a Leak Week to help homeowners save money on their utility bills and to help save water in our community and for future generations.”

To help consumers here in Blaine and Birch Bay save water, the City and District are promoting the WaterSense program to  fix dripping faucets, running toilets, and leaky showerheads. In most cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed either by do-it-yourselfers, plumber or other construction tradesperson. Following are a few water-saving tips:

• Reduce faucet leaks by checking faucet washers and gaskets for wear and, if necessary, replace the faucet with a WaterSense labeled model.

• Leaky toilets are most often the result of a worn toilet flapper. Replacing the rubber flapper is a quick fix that could save a home with a constantly running toilet up to 200 gallons of water per day.

• For a leaky garden hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

• Landscape irrigation systems should be checked each spring before use to make sure they are not damaged by frost or freezing.

For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak.