New Jersey American Water announced on March 13 that it is participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Fix a Leak Week by encouraging customers to find and repair household water leaks. The company said these actions can help reduce water waste, protect homes, and lower monthly bills, especially as New Jersey remains under a drought warning due to ongoing dry conditions.
The initiative is important because fixing leaks can have a significant impact on both water conservation and customer expenses. With the state facing drought pressure, even small steps taken by individuals can contribute to preserving local water supplies.
“Fixing leaks is one of the easiest ways customers can save money, especially right now,” said Ben Morris, vice president of operations for New Jersey American Water. “As we head into spring, still under a drought warning, every drop matters. Even a minor leak can quietly add up to higher bills and significant water waste.”
According to the company, household leaks are more common than many people realize. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about one in ten homes has a leak wasting more than 90 gallons of water per day. Many issues such as running toilets or dripping faucets are simple to identify and repair.
“We all rely on the same water sources, and protecting them starts at home,” said Shealynn O’Toole, source water protection program manager for New Jersey American Water. “When customers fix leaks, they’re not just saving money; they’re helping safeguard our rivers, reservoirs and aquifers during a drought. Small actions taken by many people can make a real difference in keeping our water supplies strong.”
New Jersey American Water offers several programs to help customers manage their bills while conserving water. These include assistance for income-eligible households through the H2O Help to Others Program, budget billing options, and payment arrangements for those needing more time. Customers are also encouraged to use tools like leak detection kits and the MyWater portal to monitor daily usage and spot unusual spikes.
With continued drought conditions in New Jersey, the company emphasizes that finding and fixing household leaks supports both individual savings and broader efforts to maintain reliable water resources.
