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1. How can I check to see if I have a leak in my home?

Determine a time when no water is being used in the home (such as at night while you are sleeping). Remember to turn off your ice maker prior to performing this test.

Meter Monitoring

Go out to your meter and write down the numbers showing on the dial before going to bed. When you awake, before any water is turned on in the home, check your meter again. If the numbers on the dial have changed, you may have a leak.

If you have a new radio-read meter with a digital display, you will need to shine a light on the meter face in order to activate the display. These types of meters also have a small faucet icon that will either flash or be continuously displayed if the meter detects a leak.

Checking Toilets

Toilets can be checked for leaks by adding toilet dye tablets (available from the Conservation Office) or food coloring to your toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes. If the dye or food coloring appears in the bowl, you have a leak. You may just need to replace the flapper. Always use the flapper recommended by your toilet’s manufacturer.

2. How much water will I save if I change out my old toilet for a new high efficiency toilet?

If a family of four switches out a toilet that uses 7 gallons per flush (gpf) for a WaterSense High Efficiency Toilet (HET) (1.28 gpf) toilet, it could save up to 41,756 gallons of water per year.

Number of People x Gallons per Person per Day x Days per Year = Annual Water Savings

4 x (July 1, 2028) x 5 x 365 = 41,756 Gallons

If this same family had a toilet that used 3.5 gpf and switched to a WaterSense HET toilet, it could save up to 16,206 gallons of water per year.

4 x (3.5 to 1.28) x 5 x 365 = 16,206 Gallons

3. What is a faucet aerator?

A faucet aerator mixes air and water for a smooth flow. The aerator is located where the water comes out of the faucet. Aerators are a simple and inexpensive way to save water.