Brighton joins EPA’s annual “Fix a Leak Week”

STAFF REPORT

Brighton officials are urging residents to find and fix leaking plumbing and irrigation to help save water.

The City of Brighton is teaming up with the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program to promote the EPA’s annual Fix a Leak Week through March 26.

The goal of the campaign is to encourage residents to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for potential leaks. For this year’s Fix a Leak Week, the Brighton Utilities Department is calling on residents, business owners, and nonprofit organizations to check for and fix leaks on their property. According to the EPA, 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day and leaks in average can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year in a commu - nity. Common leaks in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix and can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.

According to the city, residents should check their utility bill during a colder month, such as January or February. If a family of four exceeds 12,000 gallons per month, there is a considerable leak. Another suggestion is to read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water has been used. Any change in the meter is evidence of a leak.

Residents can also place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. Residents should examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.