ICC Shares Water Conservation Tips for Fix-a-Leak Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 16, 2026 ICC CONTACT Cayli Baker Office: (312) 793-8841 Cayli.Baker@illinois.gov ICC shares water conservation tips for Fix-a-Leak Week Springfield, IL – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding Illinoisans to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks as a part of national Fix-a-Leak Week this March 16-22, 2026. “Every year, household leaks waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water nationwide. Chasing down leaks can help Illinoisans shave up to 10 percent off their monthly water bills,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. EPA’s WaterSense® program has several tips to help detect and fix leaks: • Replace worn-out toilet flappers to stop a running toilet. • Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank of your toilet. If after ten minutes the color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. • Ensure a tight connection between your showerhead and pipe stem to stop leaks. Pipe or Teflon tape is an easy fix to control minor leaks. • Look at your cold weather month water bills. If your water usage exceeds 12,000 gallons/month for a family of four or less or you see spikes on your water bill, you likely have a serious leak. • Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. Any changes to the meter mean you have a leak. Always be sure to turn off the water line before starting repairs. Unsure about how to start? EPA WaterSense has a list of tutorials to fix minor leaks. For serious leaks, contact a licensed plumber. For more water-saving tips read the ICC’s water conservation guide and visit EPA WaterSense. ### About the Illinois Commerce Commission The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses, and repossession agencies. The Commission’s Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state. To learn more about the Commission, its offices, and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who

needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For transportation complaints, call 847-294-4326. Follow the Illinois Commerce Commission on social media @ILCommerceComm.