Fix a Leak Week to Save Water

Published on March 17, 2026

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program is encouraging Americans to take action during this year’s national Fix a Leak Week, highlighting the nearly one trillion gallons of water wasted annually due to household leaks.

“Leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water in an average home every year — the amount of water it takes to wash 300 loads of laundry,” said Megan Ruben, Environmental Community Outreach Manager for the City of Melbourne. “As a WaterSense partner, we are encouraging consumers to find and fix leaks to save water in our community.”

To help conserve water for future generations, the City of Melbourne is urging residents to “check, twist, and replace”:

• Check for leaks. Inspect dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures. Test toilets for silent leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank, waiting 10 minutes, and checking whether color appears in the bowl before flushing. Don’t forget to inspect irrigation systems and outdoor spigots.

• Twist and tighten connections. Secure hose and pipe connections. Homeowners can also install WaterSense-labeled faucet aerators to reduce water use without sacrificing performance.

• Replace fixtures if needed. Look for WaterSense-labeled models, which are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water while performing as well as or better than standard fixtures. The City of Melbourne offers rebates for residents who install low-flow toilets.

For additional tips, resources, and videos about Fix a Leak Week, visit the Fix a Leak website.