‘Fix a Leak Week’: City of Bend promotes water conservation with small steps amid low snowpack

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Winter arrived on the calendar in Central Oregon, but the weather hasn’t looked much like it.

Temperatures have been running well above normal in recent months, and mountain snowpack has lagged behind typical levels. Because snowpack helps supply the region’s rivers and groundwater through the summer, water conservation is becoming increasingly important.

That’s part of the reason the City of Bend is encouraging residents to participate in “Fix a Leak Week,” a national campaign aimed at reducing household water waste.

The campaign runs March 16 through March 22 and asks residents to check their homes for common water leaks, including dripping faucets, worn seals, and irrigation system problems.

Even small leaks can add up. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average household can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water each year from leaks that go unfixed.

In Central Oregon, officials say that wasted water is especially significant because the region relies heavily on snowpack to replenish water supplies during the warmer months.

The city is encouraging Bend residents to take part in the challenge by inspecting their homes and fixing leaks where they find them. Those who participate in the accompanying challenges will be entered to win prizes.

The city also offers online resources to help residents identify and repair leaks, which can help lower water bills while conserving water during potentially dry seasons ahead.

For more information or to participate in the challenge, visit the City of Bend’s page dedicated to 'Fix a Leak Weak'.