Mesa Marks Fix a Leak Week with Home Scavenger Hunt and Prizes

March 17, 2026 at 12:01 pm

The City of Mesa is inviting residents to check their homes for hidden leaks during the EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week (March 16-22), a nationwide effort to reduce water waste and lower utility bills.

This annual campaign highlights common household leaks -from dripping faucets and showerheads to faulty toilet flappers, irrigation systems and worn valves. A single home can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water each year from just one undetected leak; enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. Businesses are also encouraged to inspect kitchens, restrooms and landscaping systems for potential leaks.

"Finding and fixing leaks - especially the silent ones you don't notice right away - is one of the easiest ways homeowners and businesses can conserve water and save money," said Lauren Whittaker, Deputy Director of the Environmental and Sustainability Department. "A quick check, like adding a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank, can reveal a hidden leak in minutes. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you likely have a leak caused by a worn flapper."

This year, Mesa is expanding its efforts by encouraging residents to check for leaks throughout the entire month of March. Residents can participate in the Fix a Leak Home Scavenger Hunt, designed to help track down sneaky leaks inside the home and in outdoor landscapes.

Participants who submit a completed scavenger hunt form will be entered to win one of two $100 Ace Hardware gift cards. Everyone who enters will receive a toilet leak test kit, a leak detection guide and a Water - Use It Wisely sticker. The contest is open to Mesa residents only and runs through March 31. Gift card winners will be notified by April 30.

Complete the hunt, fix what you can, and help save water. Learn more and join the challenge at mesaaz.gov/fixleaks.