By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It’s national Fix A Leak Week.

Hays Water Conservation Specialist Hollie Dickman is urging residents to look for leaks in their household water systems.

“We’re encouraging everyone to check their plumbing, spigots and faucets for water leaks,” said Dickman, “during this special week and, of course, all year long.”

Toilets should also be examined for “silent leaks.”

The Hays City Clerk’s office, 1507 Main, has free toilet dye tabs for water customers.

“This is something you simply put in the toilet tank. If you see color in the bowl of the toilet, then you know you have a problem. You have a leak,” explained Dickman. “This is an easy way to check for leaks and to hopefully save water and save some money.”

Outdoor sprinkler systems should also be checked.

“If you have an outdoor irrigation system you’re getting geared up for spring, make sure the sprinklers are functioning properly.”

The average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.

Hays Mayor James Meier signed a Fix A Leak Week proclamation which encourages residents to use water efficiently.

Thursday, March 22, is also World Water Day.

To celebrate, the city of Hays and the Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds will host a World Water Day Fun Fest from 10 a.m. to noon in the lobby of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, 3000 Sternberg Drive.

The free event will feature fun, hands-on water-related activities for kids of all ages. Educational information regarding water conservation and water quality will also be provided.

Hays is an EPA Water Sense partner.