The Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply (DWS) is celebrating the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) annual Fix a Leak Week by helping water customers save water and money.

Now through March 22, DWS will distribute free toilet tank leak detection tablets during normal business hours at its offices in Hilo, Kona, and Waimea while supplies last.

Toilet leak detection tablets offer a quick and easy way to check for leaking toilets, which can waste up to 200 gallons of water every day, needlessly wasting our precious resource and increasing customers’ water bills.  Toilet leaks are often caused by a worn-out toilet flapper that easily can go undetected.  Replacing worn out flappers is an affordable way to reduce water waste.

To determine if other household water leaks are occurring, DWS customers should check their water meter after turning off all faucets, spigots, and household appliances that use water such as dishwashers.  If the meter is still moving, a leak may be present.  Customers should also examine their water bill for spikes in water usage that could indicate an undetected leak.

For additional leak detection and water conservation tips call (808) 961-8060 or visit the Department of Water Supply website at www.hawaiidws.org.