Water Conservation Indoors

Install a WaterSense Labeled Product

• Install a WaterSense labeled toilet and use Charlottesville’s $150 Toilet Rebate.
• Install WaterSense labeled faucet aerators on all sinks. Pick up a free WaterSense labeled aerator at the Office of Utility Billing at City Hall and are part of our Water Conservation Kits.
• Install a WaterSense Labeled showerhead: Pick up one up for free at the Office of Utility Billing at City Hall and are part of our Water Conservation Kits.

Instructional Videos from EPA WaterSense

• Replace your faucet aerator
• Replace your showerhead

Detailed Instruction Sheets

• Install a Faucet Aerator (PDF)
• Install a Toilet Flapper (PDF)

Fix Leaks

Water leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water each day!Fix them immediately once you identify them. If you see a water leak in the road or street, please report it to the Water Utility Department by calling 434-970-3800.

Request our Practical Plumbing Handbook which has great general plumbing information and information on how to fix leaks. Please use our Contact Form to request your own Practical Plumbing Handbook. 

Note: You must be a Charlottesville resident to request a handbook. 

Detect leaks using our checklist (PDF)

How to Find a Leak Using Your Water Meter

• Watch this helpful video on how to use your water meter to find leaks.
• Thank you to The Saving Water Partnership for providing these great instructional videos! Please keep in mind that this video references rebates for utilities in Seattle.

Fixing a Leaky Toilet

Use leak detection dye tablets (or food coloring) to check if you toilet it running:

1. Remove the toilet tank lid
2. Put one dye tablet in the top tank of the toilet
3. Replace the lid and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes (don’t flush!)
4. If you see blue dye/or color in the bowl of the toilet you have a leak, most likely you have a worn flapper
5. If you need a new toilet flapper, go to the Office of Utility Billing and pick up a free universal toilet flapper! If you have an old toilet (especially if it uses 3 or more gallons per flush) consider upgrading it to a WaterSense labeled toilet (and don’t forget about our $150 Toilet Rebate).

Watch a video on fixing leaky toilets by WaterSense.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet

• Watch this video on fixing a leaky faucet.
• Thank you to The Saving Water Partnership for providing these great instructional videos! Please keep in mind that this video references rebates for utilities in Seattle.

Disclaimer: These videos are for educational purposes only, Charlottesville always encourages using professionals when doing any updates or work on your home.