Illinois American Water Offers Leak-Saving Tips for Fix a Leak Week

The utility company shares practical advice to help customers locate and address common household leaks.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:19pm

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Illinois American Water is recognizing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fix a Leak Week 2026 by providing customers with simple tips to find and fix common household leaks that can waste water, drive up bills, and strain plumbing. The company has invested over $280 million in 2025 to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure statewide.

Why it matters

Household leaks are more common than many people realize, with the EPA estimating that leaks affect about one in 10 homes and can waste more than 90 gallons of water each day. Finding and fixing these leaks can help customers save money on their utility bills and prevent potential property damage.

The details

Illinois American Water is sharing advice on where to look for leaks, including toilets, faucets, washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, showers, and boiler systems. The company recommends simple tests like using dye-tracing tablets or food coloring to check for toilet leaks, and closely inspecting faucets and appliances for any signs of dripping water. Customers can also download a leak-detection kit and manage their accounts through the company's online portal to monitor for unexpected spikes in water use.

  • Illinois American Water invested more than $280 million in 2025 to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure.
  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Fix a Leak Week 2026 is taking place.

The players

Illinois American Water

A subsidiary of American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving approximately 1.3 million people in Illinois.

Brian Eisenloeffel

Vice President of Operations at Illinois American Water.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The federal agency that organizes the annual Fix a Leak Week campaign to raise awareness about household water leaks.

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What they’re saying

“Finding and fixing leaks can help customers protect their water, homes, businesses and monthly bills.”

— Brian Eisenloeffel, Vice President of Operations (Illinois American Water)

“Many people might be surprised to find that some leaks are invisible to homeowners because they don't have obvious signs like finding water on the floor. Invisible or visible, finding and fixing leaks reduces your utility bills and helps prevent damage to your property.”

— Brian Eisenloeffel, Vice President of Operations (Illinois American Water)

The takeaway

By providing customers with practical tips and resources to locate and address common household leaks, Illinois American Water is helping its customers save water, money, and prevent potential property damage - all while supporting the company's broader efforts to modernize its water infrastructure and promote sustainable water use.