American Water Offers Leak-Saving Tips for Fix a Leak Week 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the U.S., is providing customers with simple tips to identify and address common household leaks during the EPA's annual Fix a Leak Week. The company is also investing up to $48 billion over the next decade to modernize its infrastructure and expand advanced leak-detection technology to support more efficient, reliable, and affordable service.

Why it matters

Household leaks are more common and costly than many people realize, wasting up to 90 gallons of water per day and potentially filling a small backyard pool in a month. By finding and fixing leaks, customers can conserve water, protect their property, and save on monthly bills. American Water's efforts to upgrade its infrastructure and technology also help safeguard water resources for the long term.

The details

American Water is sharing tips to check for leaks in common problem areas like toilets, faucets, washing machines, dishwashers, bathtubs, showers, and boiler systems. For toilets, customers can drop a dye tablet or food coloring in the tank and wait 5 minutes to see if the colored water seeps into the bowl, indicating a leak. Leaky faucets can waste 3,200 gallons per year and may need a new washer. Customers should also watch for water on the floor near washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances, which could signal a leak.

• Fix a Leak Week 2026 is March 16-22, 2026.
• American Water plans to invest up to $48 billion over the next decade to modernize its infrastructure.

What they’re saying

What’s next

American Water is encouraging customers to download its leak-detection kit and manage their accounts through the MyWater online portal to monitor for unexpected spikes in water use. The company also provides additional water conservation tips and information through its Water Learning Center.