Don't Let Your Water (and Money) Go Down the Drain

It's Fix a Leak Week, and Hillsboro Water is challenging every homeowner to become a leak detective. Hidden drips throughout your home could be silently draining your wallet and wasting precious water resources.

Small leaks may not seem like a big deal, but the average household leak wastes a staggering 10,000 gallons of water annually-that's like running your shower for four months straight!

The good news? Most leaks are surprisingly easy to fix once you know where to look. Armed with just a few basic tools and a little know-how, you can plug those drips and start seeing real savings on your utility bills.

How to Spot a Leak

Not sure where to start your search? Check out these resources to find any hidden leaks at home.

Monitor Your Utility Bill

Check out your Utility Bill to see your water usage chart. If your water usage has grown dramatically without you changing your water habits, you might have a leak.

Meet Your Meter

You can use your water meter's built-in display to check for leaks in your home at any time. While Hillsboro's meters make billing efficient and accurate, they don't provide real-time leak alerts or daily usage tracking. If you'd like that extra level of monitoring, a Smart Water Meter might be right for you.

Hillsboro Water offers a $150 rebate toward the purchase of any qualifying Smart Water Meter Device.

Test Your Toilet

Your toilet might be leaking without making a sound. Test your toilet for leaks by dropping some food coloring into the tank and waiting 10 minutes. If any of the color has ended up in the toilet bowl during that time, you have a leak.

Dripping Faucets

That rhythmic drip from your bathroom or kitchen sink isn't just annoying, it's expensive. A single drip every second adds up to more than 3,000 gallons wasted annually.

Get Fixing

Once you've identified the problem areas, it's time to roll up your sleeves. Most leaks are simple to fix and require just a few basic supplies. Plus, the satisfaction of knowing you've saved water (and money) will be well worth the effort.

If you're unsure about tackling some repairs on your own, consider reaching out to a plumber. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to water issues.

While Fix a Leak Week is the perfect time to start, don't stop there. You can check for leaks and fix them year-round to keep your home water-efficient and your bills lower. Make it a habit to periodically check for drips and address them promptly. Your wallet, and the environment, will thank you for it.