With an average of 11,000 gallons of water wasted per household every year and 1 trillion gallons wasted from minor water leaks across the country, the City of Fresno joins the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Program by declaring March 16 – 20 as “Fix a Leak Week.”

The national “Fix a Leak Week” campaign is an opportunity to encourage Fresno residents and businesses to improve water efficiency by checking for and fixing leaks. The City is asking residents for help as California’s three-year drought continues. The City of Fresno is currently in a Stage 1 Water Shortage and is monitoring the need for elevating to a Stage 2 of the 4-stage drought plan.

The “Fix a Leak Week” is also an ideal way for the City of Fresno to join the Governor in his call for stepped up conservation and a 20% reduction of water usage in urban areas.

The message of water conservation is one that the City of Fresno has been educating the community on for years,” said Lon Martin, assistant director of public utilities for Fresno. “This national initiative of “Fix a Leak Weak” comes at an opportune time, given the current declaration by the Governor and the statewide water shortage.”

To lead by example, the City's new "Blue Team" was developed to oversee ongoing water conservation efforts. The Parks Department is participating by installing "smart irrigation controllers” at several sites that could reduce water usage as much as 30%.

To help customers, the City of Fresno has many free programs in place to help conserve water and educate the public on the detection and repair of a leak. Below are some simple ways to conserve:

• Fix leaky faucets and toilets immediately.
• Replace worn toilet dams and adjust toilet floats.
• Do not let water run into the gutters from over-watering. Water only when necessary.
• Always use a hose nozzle on your garden hose.
• Teach children to turn off the water when brushing their teeth.
• Contact the Conservation office if you observe water waste at 621-5480 or call 621-CITY.

The City of Fresno has joined efforts with the American Water Works Association to recognize, educate and promote the EPA WaterSense “Fix a Leak Week” through utilities across the nation.

For more information on water conservation or “Fix a Leak Week,” please visit www.fresnowater.org or call 621-CITY.

CONTACT: Ann Kloose, Department of Public Utilities (559) 417-4291

# # #