Carlsbad residents have access to safe and reliable drinking water 24 hours per day that meets all state and federal health standards. Unfortunately, household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

These tips can help you find and fix leaks inside your home to save water and money all year long:

• Check your water bill for January or February. It’s likely that an average household (family of four) could have a leak if your monthly use exceeds 16 units.
• Turn off all water appliances and check your water meter. Then wait 15 minutes and check it again. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak (be sure to flush immediately after to avoid staining the tank).
• Examine faucets and shower heads for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks. Don’t forget garden hoses.

If you think you might have a leak or need assistance with reading your bill or meter, contact customer service at water@carlsbadca.gov or 442-339-2420.

The San Diego County region has invested heavily to develop multiple sources of water so we are not as reliant on one source of water. However, in California, conservation needs to be a way of life.

More tips for how to find and fix leaks