Contrary to popular belief, you can’t always hear a leak.  Toilets are notorious for their hidden leaks and can waste hundreds of gallons a day undetected.  Before you call a plumber, there is one simple, inexpensive way to test your toilets.  Lift up the lid on the back of your tank and put a few drops of liquid food coloring in.  Close the lid and leave the toilet overnight.  If colored water shows in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak and repairs are necessary.  Also check all your faucets for drips.  A dripping faucet or fixture can easily waste 1000 gallons a month.

If in fact a leak does exist, an estimate of the amount of wasted water can be calculated online at www.awwa.org/awwa/waterwiser/dripcalc.cfm.