Fix A Leak Week Challenge: March 16-22, 2026

Over the last six years, the City of Bend sent out an average of 9,955 leak alerts to customers each year. During that same time frame, minor water leaks in Bend have accounted for an average of 45 million gallons of water wasted each year in residential homes. By joining us for the Fix a Leak Week Challenge March 16-22, 2026, you can help cut back on this amount of waste.

Please consider joining us for the Challenge, an annual event where you can find, fix, and snap a photo of leaks in your home. It’s that easy! Participate in daily challenges with the City of Bend’s Water Conservation team and be entered to win great prizes.

Take the Challenge!

How to Participate:

1. Snap a picture of yourself completing each leak check challenge.
2. Email all your photos to conservation@bendoregon.gov at the end of the week.
   • Include your full name, phone number, address, and water account number in the email.
3. Only one email entry per water account.
4. Make sure to submit your entries by the designated date.
5. All entries will be entered into a raffle to select one winner.
6. The winner will be notified by Water Conservation staff.
   • Ensure your contact information is accurate in the submission email.

Note: The prize package is available to City of Bend Water Customers only.

The 5 Day Challenge

Day 1 Challenge – Check Your Faucets for Leaks

Today’s 10-Minute Challenge: Check your faucets for any leaks! A leaky faucet dripping at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. Don’t forget to snap a photo, save it, and email the entire collection to conservation@bendoregon.gov at the end of the week.

• Check for dripping faucets, worn gaskets, or valves.

Day 2 Challenge – Check Showerheads for Leaks

Today’s 10-Minute Challenge: Inspect your showerheads for any leaks! A shower leaking at 10 drips per minute wastes more than 500 gallons per year. Don’t forget to snap a photo, save it, and email the entire collection to conservation@bendoregon.gov at the end of the week.

• Tighten showerhead connections with a wrench and pipe tape.

Day 3 Challenge – Check Toilets for Leaks

Today’s 10-Minute Challenge: Investigate your toilets for any leaks! Did you know that a leaky toilet wastes about 200 gallons per day? Don’t forget to snap a photo, save it, and email the entire collection to conservation@bendoregon.gov at the end of the week.

• Drop food coloring in the tank of the toilet. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, replace the flapper.

Day 4 Challenge – Check Backflow for Leaks

Today’s 10-Minute Challenge: Examine your irrigation backflow for any leaks! Don’t forget to snap a photo, save it, and email the entire collection to conservation@bendoregon.gov at the end of the week.

• Locate your backflow and open the box to inspect for leaks.

Day 5 Challenge – Sign Up for WaterSmart and Turn on Leak Alerts

Today’s 10-Minute Challenge: Register for WaterSmart and customize your leak alert notifications! 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, which can really add up to a lot of wasted water and money. With WaterSmart leak alerts, you can prevent unnecessary waste! Don’t forget to snap a photo, save it, and email the entire collection to conservation@bendoregon.gov at the end of the week.