Find and fix leaks during Fix a Leak Week

EGLE Media Office, [email protected], 517-284-9278

Kristina Donaldson, Clean Water Public Advocate, [email protected], 517-285-8140

Find and fix leaks during Fix a Leak Week

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a proclamation recognizing this week, March 20-26, as Fix a Leak Week. Fix a Leak week is an annual event created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by WaterSense partners across the U.S. and Canada. During this week, EGLE’s Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate will provide some practical tips on finding and fixing household leaks and spotlight free home energy efficiency programs offered by some utilities within the state.

“Fixing water leaks in home plumbing can reduce consumer water bills and prevent water damage within the home” said Kris Donaldson, EGLE’s Clean Water Public Advocate. The EPA estimates that fixing easily corrected household leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.

Residents are encouraged to get involved and track down leaks in their home using EPA’s at-home checklist. Common types of leaks found in the home, like worn toilet flappers and dripping faucets (don’t forget to clean the aerators too!), are often easy and relatively cheap to fix. Share a photo and tag your post with #FixALeakWeek and #IFixLeaks!

Some energy utilities within the state offer free at-home energy efficiency assessments to qualifying customers. These can include a basic home walkthrough and installation of energy-efficient products, such as faucet aerators, lightbulbs, or showerheads. Contact your energy utility to find out what programs they offer.

More information and resources are available at Michigan.gov/FixALeakWeek. For more information about the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate visit Michigan.gov/CleanWater.

To stay up to date on other EGLE news follow us at Michigan.gov/MIEnvironment.