MEDIA RELEASE

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has issued a proclamation recognizing March 18-24, 2013 as “Detect-A-Leak-Week” in Hawaii.

The proclamation also announces the state Commission on Water Resource Management, in partnership with the island county water departments and the Hawaii Rural Water Association, is encouraging all Hawaii residents to check for leaks at their home, properties and workplaces as part of “Detect-A-Leak Week.”

“The Department of Land and Natural Resources’ “Rain Follows the Forest” initiative aims to enhance water supplies by protecting and restoring our rainforests to capture as much of the rain as possible,” Abercrombie said. “But we must also be good stewards of our drinking water by using it as efficiently as possible, which involves checking for leaks and taking corrective action. Detect-A-Leak Week is an important statewide awareness program that complements this Administration’s efforts to increase the recharge of our aquifers and streams.”

“Water is often taken for granted and many of us realize its importance only when water is not conveniently available,” said William J. Aila, Jr., chairman of the Commission on Water Resource Management. “By checking for and repairing leaks, we can all do our small part to ensure that water is available for generations to come.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates common household leaks can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water each year in the average home — enough water to fill a backyard swimming pool. This water loss can be significantly reduced in Hawaii if all residents statewide check their plumbing fixtures for leaks.

“Detecting and fixing leaks creates a win-win situation as it helps customers save money on their water and sewer bills while preserving our precious water supply,” said Ernest Lau, Honolulu Board of Water Supply (HBWS) Manager and Chief Engineer.

“Every effort made to repair leaks helps protect water, our most precious resource. Thank you for doing your part at home and in your yard during Detect-A-Leak Week,” said Quirino Antonio, County of Hawaii Department of Water Supply Manager and Chief Engineer.

During Detect-A-Leak-Week, the department is distributing toilet leak detection dye tablets at all ACE hardware, Home Depot, and HPM Building Supply stores, as well as Department of Water Supply customer service counters.

Kauai Department of Water (DOW) Manager and Chief Engineer David Craddick said, “Leaks are a problem for the Water Department as well as for our customers and we appreciate any information from the public about leaks in the public system.”

The DOW is holding a conservation contest for all fourth grade classes with the Department of Education on Kauai during Detect-A-Leak-Week.

”Fixing leaks saves water, saves energy and lowers your water bill,” said David Taylor, Director of the Maui Department of Water Supply.

“As stewards of the water that is available for us in nature, we should eliminate any wasting of this precious resource; not just for now, but for our future generations. The drop you save today could be the glass of water you need tomorrow,” said Gary Byrd, Hawaii Rural Water Association (HWRA) Executive Director. See more information on the HWRA website.

There are three types of leaks that should be checked – toilet, property and underground leaks.

For more information on how Detect-A-Leak Week is being observed on each island and for more tips on how to check for leaks at home, visit:

* Board of Water Supply, City and County of Honolulu: www.boardofwatersupply.com

* County of Hawaii Department of Water Supply: www.hawaiidws.org

* County of Kauai Department of Water: www.kauaiwater.org

* County of Maui Department of Water Supply: www.mauiwater.org

* Hawaii Rural Water Association: www.hawaiirwa.org