Household water leaks are easy to ignore and expensive to keep. The US EPA’s WaterSense program says leaks in American homes can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water a year.
How much one home wastes
The average household’s leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year, according to the EPA.
About 9 percent of homes have leaks that waste 50 gallons or more every day.
The dripping faucet
A faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year, the EPA says.
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The easy fix
Fixing easily corrected leaks can save about 10 percent on water bills. Check faucets, showerheads and toilets first, and replace worn washers and flappers.
The fine print
These are national averages. Your own waste depends on the fixture and how fast it leaks.
Why it matters
Fixing a leak is one of the cheapest eco wins there is. It saves water and money at the same time.
Try it yourself
See your own numbers with our free Shower Water Calculator.
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Submit your companySources: US EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week.
Key takeaways on household water leaks
Here is the short version on household water leaks. The average household’s leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year, according to the EPA. About 9 percent of homes have leaks that waste 50 gallons or more every day. A faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year, the EPA says. Fixing easily corrected leaks can save about 10 percent on water bills. These are national averages. Fixing a leak is one of the cheapest eco wins there is. See your own numbers with our free Shower Water Calculator. Sources: US EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week.
Use these points on household water leaks as a starting point, check the numbers against your own home or business, and share what you learn with someone who can use it.
