Anoka County residents and businesses are urged to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems each year during Fix a Leak Week (March 16-22, 2015). Nationwide, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year. Current drought conditions coupled with growing water demand challenges businesses and residents to conserve our natural water resources by efficiently using the water that we have.

Toilets are especially leak-prone: it is estimated that some 20% of all toilets are leaking/wasting water (YouTube; 30sec.). But because leaking toilets are often silent, the problem typically goes unnoticed. This can lead to higher water and sewer bills and the waste of an important natural resource.  Leaks can also shorten the lives of septic systems and private wells.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is encouraging residents to check their toilets for leaks by providing a free packet of leak detection tablets to any interested household in Minnesota. Leak detection tablets can be ordered on the MPCA website, by calling 651-757-2999, or by emailing leakdetection.pca@state.mn.us. Supplies are limited.

The MPCA is a promotional partner of WaterSense®, an EPA program that promotes the value of water efficiency and water-efficient products to consumers.  For information on WaterSense® and Fix-a-Leak week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense/.