Fix a Leak
Fix a Leak Week is a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense program, which seeks to inform the public on how to identify and fix leaks. By making fixes, Americans put a stop to the more than 1 trillion gallons of water being wasted from household leaks each year. Fix a Leak Week occurs in March each year. The Charlottesville Water Conservation Program promotes the Fix a Leak Week and campaign each year with various events and outreach.
March is fix a leak month!
This year, to celebrate Fix a Leak Month, the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA), and Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority are hosting several "events" to help encourage our community to save water and FIX A LEAK!
2021 Fix a Leak Events
Home Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate Fix a Leak Month in your home by completing the Home Scavenger Hunt. You will get to know your water fixtures and make sure that none are leaking! You have from March 1st - April 9th to complete your scavenger hunt.
- Home Scavenger Hunt Worksheet and 10 Minute Challenge Checklist (PDF)
- Take the WaterSense 10-Minute Leak Challenge (PDF)
- Submit Your Worksheet Online (LINK)
- You can either upload your worksheet directly or fill out a digital worksheet.
River Scavenger Hunt
Celebrate Fix a Leak Month outside along the Rivanna River. Find water and leak related signs along the Rivanna River Trail that will help you fill in important missing information on your scavenger hunt sheet. You have from March 1st - April 9th to complete your scavenger hunt.
- River Scavenger Hunt Locations: The Rivanna River Trail from Riverview Park and Darden Towe Park
- Riverview Park: 298 Riverside Ave. Start at the park's entrance and take the path along the Rivanna River for about 0.5 miles.
- Darden Towe Park: 1445 Darden Towe Park. Start at the boat launch and take the path along the Rivanna River for about 0.5 miles.
- Important Reminder: Please follow park rules and social distance rules. Wear your mask and stay 6 feet apart from other park users.
- River Scavenger Hunt Worksheet (PDF)
- Virtual Rivanna River Walk where you can experience the Rivanna River and see all the water and leak related signs (LINK) March is fix a leak month!
- Submit Your Worksheet Online (LINK)
- You can either upload your worksheet directly or fill out a digital worksheet.
Virtual Fix a Leak Family 5K
You can't have Fix a Leak Month without a running toilet! Sign up for this FREE 5K you can do anytime in March and get digital resources on how to save water and stop that running toilet! You have from March 1st - March 31st to run the 5K. Please make sure you are following social distance rules while running and wear your mask!
- Virtual Fix a Leak Family 5K Registration (LINK)
- Virtual Fix a Leak Family 5K Race Packet (PDF)
- Suggested 5K Routes from Past Fix a Leak Family 5K Races (PDF)
All Fix a Leak Month events are FREE and open for anyone in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County to participate. When you submit your scavenger hunt sheets by April 9th or run and submit your results for the 5K by March 31st, you will be entered to win a special water conservation prize (multiple winners will be selected)!
Join the Fix a Leak Month Facebook Event to stay updated on the event (LINK).
Submit Scavenger Hunt Sheets by April 9th (please make sure your name, email, and phone number are on your submissions):
- ONLINE:
- BY MAIL: Water Conservation, 305 4th Street NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- BY DROP BOX: City Hall (605 East Main Street) and ACSA (168 Spotnap Road).
Fix a Leak Tips
To help save water for future generations, we are asking consumers to check, twist, and replace:
- Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures. Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring or use a dye tab from the free conservation kits offered at the Utility Billing Office into the tank, waiting 10 minutes, and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too.
- Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections. To save water without a noticeable difference in flow in your bathroom, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.
- Replace the fixture if necessary. Look for WaterSense labeled models. These models are independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well as or better than standard models. WaterSense showerheads and faucet aerators are available for free for City residents at the Utility Billing Office in City Hall.
Take the 10 Minute Fix a Leak Challenge using this helpful checklist (PDF).
For more information on how to find and fix leaks in your home go to our Programs & Resource Page.