Aqua Pennsylvania Marks Fix A Leak Week By Spotlighting Its Leak Repair Program For Income-Eligible Customers

On March 19, Aqua Pennsylvania is joining the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's annual Fix A Leak Week by shining a light on a program that goes further than leak-detection tips: Aqua’s Leak Repair Program, which helps income-eligible customers cover the cost of fixing leaks that are driving up their water bills when customers reach out to Aqua before a repair is made. 

Household leaks are more common — and more costly — than most people realize. 

According to the EPA, household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water each year nationwide. 

For Aqua Pennsylvania customers, a running toilet or a dripping faucet isn't just an inconvenience — it can mean a water bill that's suddenly and unexpectedly high. 

"Fix A Leak Week is a great reminder to check your home for leaks, but we also want our customers to know that Aqua is here to help when fixing those leaks isn't something they can easily afford," said Rita Black, Essential Utilities Director of Community Assistance Programs. "The most important thing we want people to know is this: if you have a leak, call Aqua first — before any repair work begins. That's the only way we can step in and help cover the cost." 

Aqua's Leak Repair Program 

Aqua Pennsylvania's Leak Repair Program is designed to help low-income customers manage repair costs when a leak is affecting their water bill or putting their service at risk. 

Common covered situations include a leaking toilet, a broken fixture, or a plumbing issue that is quietly wasting water and inflating monthly charges. 

Customers must contact Aqua before any repair is completed. The program does not provide reimbursements for work that has already been done. 

Once a customer calls, Aqua's team assesses the situation and may connect them with available repair assistance options. 

The program does not cover repairs for hot water tanks, boilers, swimming pools, hot tubs, or filtration systems. 

When customers call about a leak, Aqua will also check whether they are eligible for the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) — a separate program that provides ongoing monthly bill discounts for qualifying households. CAP is an added benefit for those who qualify. 

Simple Steps to Find a Leak at Home 

Aqua Pennsylvania encourages all customers to take a few minutes this week to check their home for leaks. Here's where to start-- 

-- Check your water meter. Turn off all water in your home. Read your meter, wait two hours without using any water, then read it again. If the number changed, you likely have a leak.

-- Test your toilet. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Wait 15–20 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, your flapper valve needs to be replaced — a quick, low-cost fix.

-- Inspect your faucets. A faucet dripping at just one drip per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons a year. Tightening the connection or replacing the washer can stop the drip.

-- Look for wet spots. Water pooling near pipes, wet patches on walls or floors, or a toilet that keeps running after flushing are all signs worth calling Aqua about. 

Customers who suspect a leak should call Aqua customer service right away — before scheduling any repair work. Aqua's team may be able to connect eligible customers to the Leak Repair Program resources. 

Aqua Pennsylvania provides water and wastewater service to approximately 1.5 million people in 32 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

[Posted: March 19, 2026]  PA Environment Digest