American Water Provides Leak-Saving Tips During Fix a Leak Week 2026

Regularly checking homes and businesses for leaks helps customers conserve water, save money and protect property

CAMDEN, N.J., March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As spring approaches, American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., is recognizing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Fix a Leak Week 2026 by sharing simple, practical tips customers can use to spot and address common household leaks that waste water, drive up bills, and strain home plumbing.

"Fix a Leak Week serves as an annual reminder that finding and fixing leaks can help customers conserve water, protect their property, and help save on monthly bills," said Cheryl Norton, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, American Water. "At the same time, American Water is investing up to $48 billion over the next decade to modernize water and wastewater infrastructure across our national footprint, including replacing aging pipes and expanding advanced leak-detection technology. Together, these actions support more efficient, reliable and affordable service and help safeguard water resources for the long term."

Household leaks are more common and costly than many people realize. According to the EPA, leaks affect about one in 10 homes and can waste more than 90 gallons of water each day. In a month, one household's leaks can potentially fill up a small backyard swimming pool.

To fix leaks fast, check in a few places they are commonly found:

• Toilets: A defective plunger ball or flapper valve can waste water by causing the tank to continually drain and refill. To test, drop a dye-tracing tablet or a small amount of food coloring in the tank and wait 5 minutes. If the dye-colored water seeps into the bowl, you may have a leak and need to replace the defective part.
• Faucets: A leaky faucet can waste nearly 3,200 gallons of water per year. If you notice one dripping, try closing it tightly. If it continues to drip, the washer may need to be replaced.
• Washing Machines and Dishwashers: If you see water on the floor near your washing machine or dishwasher, that could indicate a leak. You may want to call your repair service.
• Bathtubs and Showers: Check the spout and showerhead for dripping water. New washers may be needed on the faucet handles.
• Boiler Systems: If the sound of running water is continuous and does not stop and start periodically, there may be a leak. Contact a professional to check it out and perform repairs.

Learn more by downloading American Water's leak-detection kit here and checking out the company's Fix a Leak Week blog post. Customers can also review water use for unexpected spikes and manage accounts through MyWater, American Water's online customer portal.

Additional tips on water conservation and the value of water are available through the company's Water Learning Center.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

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SOURCE American Water