Mayor Kawakami proclaims Fix a Leak Week for March 16-22

LĪHUʻE –The Kauaʻi Department of Water (DOW), in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program, announces Fix a Leak Week from March 16 to 22, 2026.

To support the campaign, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami has issued a proclamation encouraging residents to use water responsibly and regularly check and promptly repair any leaks in their water fixtures.

“The stewardship of our water resources is an essential component of effective water management,” stated Joe Tait, DOWʻs Manager and Chief Engineer. “However, millions of gallons of water are wasted every day through household and commercial leaks in irrigation, toilets, cooling systems, and other water fixtures.”

The EPA estimates that the average household wastes more than 9,300 gallons of water each year due to leaks, often found in faucets, toilets, and valves. These leaks are typically easy and inexpensive to fix and pay for themselves in water savings. In fact, correcting household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their monthly water bills.

A common leak is found in toilet flappers that have become worn out. This silent leak is responsible for thousands of gallons of water wasted per year. Replacing a toilet flapper is quick and easy. Just bring your old flapper to the hardware store and buy a new flapper that fits your toilet model.

In support of DOWʻs objectives to promote the importance of water conservation and education on leak detection, free leak detection tablets are available at DOWʻs business office located at 4398 Pua Loke Street in Līhuʻe. They are also freely available at the following Kaua’i locations: M. Tanaka Store, Ferguson Plumbing, and Hardware Hawaii.

For more information about Fix a Leak Week and other leak detection tips from the EPA WaterSense program, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. You may also contact the Department of Water at 808-245-5461 or publicrelations@kauaiwater.org.

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