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Fix a Leak Week is March 15-21, 2021

Up to 77 percent of Americans have reported seeing signs of a water leak, according to a recent survey

LEXINGTON, Ky., (March 15, 2021) – More than two in three Americans have experienced a leak at their home, according to a recent survey conducted by global research agency Opinium, on behalf of American Water, in an effort to better understand Americans’ awareness of household leaks.

The results coincide with the annual recognition of Fix a Leak Week (March 25-21, 2021), a national campaign led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) each year that helps raise awareness about leaks and other water issues that contribute to water waste within homes.

This year’s Fix a Leak Week comes as we approach the one-year mark of COVID-19, when many people began spending more time indoors and water usage increased across the board. In fact, since the start of the public health emergency, about a quarter of Americans say they have been using more water, meaning it’s more important than ever to be aware of common issues and know how to spot them. 

“We’re using this year’s Fix A Leak Week to help people understand where and how to spot common problematic leaks to help improve home safety and support water efficiency and conservation,” said Dave Farrar, Kentucky American Water’s vice president of operations.

More than half of Americans have experienced leaks in their bathroom (52%) and kitchen (50%). Some ways to check for common leaks include:

Test your toilet. Place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak.  (Flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)

Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings. Look for any water on the outside of the pipe to identify any leaks.

Check outside. Examine the exterior of your home if you think you have a leak. If hoses are left on even a little, they can drip, resulting in wasted water over time. Irrigation systems can leak underground, causing mushy sod and other above-ground indications of issues.

Keep track of water usage, especially during cold weather months. Nearly a quarter of Americans report using more water since the beginning of the pandemic. If you experience a sudden spike, you may have a leak.

Visit here for more information about Fix a Leak Week and checking for leaks.

Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately half a million people. For more information, visit www.kentuckyamwater.com and follow Kentucky American Water on Twitter and Facebook.


Media Contacts

Susan Lancho

External Affairs Manager

859.268.6332

susan.lancho@amwater.com