The Village of Algonquin, IL

Want to lower your water usage? If you are using more water than expected, there are steps you can take to find and solve the problem. Read the water meter at the start and end of a two-hour time frame when no water is in use. If the reading is not exactly the same, it is possible that you are experiencing a leak.

Locations to check for leaks.

• Running Toilet. Do you ever have to jiggle the handle to stop the running sound? If so, adjust or change out the tank parts.
• Silent toilet leak. Invest in food coloring to look for a leak you don’t hear. Put several drops of dark food coloring into the toilet tank. Do not flush. If the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
• Water Softener
• Humidifier
• Outside spigots
• Garden hose
• Sprinkler system
• Ponds
• Pool
• Hoses on the washing machine, ice maker, dish washer, reverse osmosis system, etc.

Aside from unexpected leaks, you can also lower your regular water usage by committing to save water. Have each family member make a change in their water usage habits with examples below.

• Turn off the water when brushing teeth or shaving.
• Take shorter showers.
• Water flowers and/or landscaping during conservation hours and/or by hand.
• Only do full loads of laundry.
• Run the dishwasher only when full.
• Keep cold water in your refrigerator instead of letting the water run till its cold.

With everyone’s help we can all save just a little bit more. You may even find that you catch a leak before it becomes a big expensive problem.