It's that time of year again when the drip-drip-drip of a leaky faucet isn't just a minor annoyance—it's a nationwide problem. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is using Fix A Leak Week, from March 17-23, as a springboard to raise awareness about the water we're wasting, one drop at a time. According to the DNR, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) points out that household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water annually across the United States, hitting consumers' wallets hard.

The EPA's Fix A Leak Week website serves as a hub for leak-fixing know-how, urging residents to take on those repairs they've been ignoring, "the perfect time to fix any leaks you've been putting off," as per the DNR's press release. Water doesn't come cheap, and neither does the damage caused by leaks, so a timely fix can save more than just water—it can save your hard-earned money and your valuables from water damage.

Getting a handle on leaky pipes and faucets can start right at home or the workplace. The EPA provides a handy checklist to track down leaks, while their Fix a Leak webpage offers a helping hand for tackling common issues like toilet and faucet repairs. And for those ready to level up their water-saving game, there's a video that shows how to replace your showerhead with a more efficient model.

No job too big, no leak too small—the DNR doesn't shy away from reminding us that big businesses, including agricultural operations, are also prone to water wastage through leaks. For them, a quick fix is not only good for the planet; it's good for the bottom line, as "these leaks can quickly amount to a lot of water," as noted by the DNR. And for those daunting leaks that might leave you scratching your head, pulling in a plumbing pro is never a bad move.