Hawaii County Water Supply Hosts Free Leak Detection Events in Hilo, Kona

A leaky toilet can silently drain 200 gallons of water a day, and the Hawaiʻi County Department of Water Supply wants to help residents find and fix those losses before they show up on a water bill. The department is marking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national Fix a Leak Week, running March 16–20, with public outreach events in Hilo and Kona where water professionals will distribute free toilet tank leak detection tablets, offer conservation guidance, and host a drinking water knowledge quiz with prizes.

For anyone who cannot make it to an outreach booth, DWS offices in Hilo, Kona and Waimea will carry the tablets during normal business hours throughout the week, available while supplies last.

The detection tablets themselves require no plumbing knowledge. Dropping one into a toilet tank reveals whether water is silently seeping past the flapper and into the bowl. According to DWS, worn-out toilet flappers are the most common culprit behind these invisible leaks. "These leaks often are caused by a worn out toilet flapper that can easily go undetected," the department noted. "Replacing worn out flappers is an easy and affordable way to reduce water waste."

Toilets are only part of the picture. DWS advises checking the water meter after shutting off every faucet, spigot and water-using appliance in the house, including dishwashers. If the meter continues to move with everything off, a leak is likely somewhere in the system. Bill-watchers should also look for unexplained spikes in monthly usage, which can signal an undetected leak even when nothing seems obviously wrong.

Exact booth times and specific site addresses for the Hilo and Kona events were listed on the DWS website but were not included in the available press materials. Residents should call DWS directly at 808-961-8050 or check the department's website and the EPA's Fix a Leak Week resources page for the full schedule and additional conservation tips.