The Village of Pleasant Prairie Utility Department would like to offer you this simple tip to help you conserve water and keep your utility bills as low as possible. If you think you may have a water leak, follow these simple instructions:
• Turn off all faucets, ice makers, and any sources of running water at your residence. Don't flush any toilets.
• Go to your water meter and look at the small red dial as indicated in the photo.
• If this dial is turning, you have a water leak!

Common sources of water leaks are leaking toilet flappers and dripping faucets. Contact a plumber to find and/or fix water leaks. If you feel that you may have a problem with the meter or if you have any questions, call Pleasant Prairie Utility Department at 262/694-1403.

Below is more helpful information, courtesy of EPA Water Sense.


FIX A LEAK, SAVE SOME GREEN
How long have you been ignoring that pitter patter coming from the shower? How about the leaky spigot on the side of the house, or that running toilet? You might as well be pouring money down the drain! Fixing easily corrected household water leaks like these can save homeowners more than 10 percent on their water bills and a precious natural resource.

March 15 to 21, 2010, marks the WaterSense program's "Fix a Leak Week," a time to remind Americans to attack leaks in their household fixtures and irrigation systems. While leaks might sometimes seem like small problems, over time they waste both valuable water resources and money. On average, a U.S. household wastes more than 11,000 gallons of water per year, enough to fill a backyard swimming pool!

Common types of leaks found in the home are leaking toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are easily correctable, in many cases requiring only a few tools and hardware, such as a wrench and drops of food coloring, which will easily pay for themselves in water savings. If you discover a significant leak that merits the replacement of an older toilet or bathroom sink faucet, consider a new WaterSense labeled product that will not only put an end to your leak, but also increase water efficiency. For instance, WaterSense labeled faucets use 30 percent less water without a noticeable difference in flow.

While some leaks are obvious, others are more difficult to detect. To be sure that your household is leak-free, check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak and an opportunity to save water and some extra cash.

Find more tips and information at Fix a Leak Week.

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