Morristown Residents Unite to Save Water During National Fix a Leak Week

Morristown, NJ - March 20, 2023 - Morristown residents have the opportunity to join millions across the nation in combating water waste during the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Fix a Leak Week from March 20-26. New Jersey American Water is providing helpful tips to customers, encouraging them to take part in this important national campaign.

“Many people may not realize that even the smallest leaks can waste thousands of gallons per year, every drop adds up,” said Tom Shroba, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water. “If every one of our New Jersey customers fixed a household leak, they could contribute to millions, or even billions, of gallons of water saved in a year.”

The EPA estimates that the average U.S. residence loses 10,000 gallons of water annually due to minor leaks, with over one trillion gallons of water wasted nationwide. Addressing these leaks can potentially reduce homeowners' water bills by 10 percent.

New Jersey American Water has shown its commitment to reducing leaks by investing approximately $575 million in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in 2022, including $4.3 million in leak detection equipment to improve response to leaks and breaks.

To detect leaks, Morristown residents can:

1. Monitor their New Jersey American Water bill monthly for above-average usage without an increase in home size.
2. Check their water meter at the start and end of a two-hour period when no water is being used; a change in the meter reading indicates a leak.
3. Test toilets for leaks by adding a drop of food coloring into the toilet tank and checking for color in the bowl after 10 minutes.
4. Inspect faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for surface leaks, particularly after extreme temperature changes.
5. Check in-ground irrigation systems and hoses for damage caused by frost or freezing.

Customers can access a leak detection kit and engage children in learning about water conservation through interactive games on the How Water Works program site. More activities are available at New Jersey American Water's Water Learning Center. For account management, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com.