The Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities says unknown leaks in your home could be costing you money oh your water bill.

In a news release, the BOPU cites U.S.Environmental Protection Agency statistics that show the average household leaks more than 10,000 gallons of water a year.

That is roughly the same amount of water it would take to do 270 loads of laundry or about 10 percent of the average water bill. The BOPU is offering these tips:

"-Look at the hard evidence-your water bill. During the winter, the average home in Cheyenne uses less than 2,000 gallons of water per person per month. If a home is using more water, there may be a leak.

-Check your water meter which is typically inside your home. The Board can help you locate your water meter and show you how to read it. Water meters are equipped with a flow detector-the red triangle or propeller or digital readout. First, turn off all water uses in the home for a couple of hours then check the water meter. If the red triangle or propeller are moving or the numbers have changed on the water meter, there is a leak in the house.

-Interrogate the toilet. Toilets are sometimes the silent culprits for water leaks and higher water bills. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank at the back of your toilet and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, the toilet leaks. Make sure you flush afterward to avoid staining.

-Make sure the fixtures and appliances have alibis. Inspect fixtures and appliances for dripping water. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, and hose connections."

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