Due to leaks within the home, Twickenham residents could have wasted over £130k on water bills in the last six months, and over 63k litres of clean drinking water every day, the equivalent to filling 25 Olympic swimming pools. 

Data newly released by Affinity Water, the nation's largest water-only supplier, has revealed that over 1,440 properties in the Twickenham area have triggered a 'leak alarm' in the first six months of the year.

Leak alarms are triggered by consistently abnormal levels of water use and are one of the ways for the water industry and consumers to identify hidden leaks in the home.  

Home leaks can cause extensive costly damage to the home, and the water lost impacts rivers and streams in water stressed areas.

An independent nationwide survey commissioned by Affinity Water, reveals over two thirds (68%) of the nation have had a leak in their home. 

However, the majority of Brits (55%) don't know how to check their toilet or tanks for leaks, which are the culprits for the biggest water loss.  

One in five people leave home leaks for four weeks or more before getting them fixed. 

Almost one third (32%) of those with a leak have put off fixing it due to how much they think it will cost to repair them. While 33% had other home repair jobs they deemed more critical, and 28% didn't know a reliable plumber to ask for help. 

A separate independent poll of 250 plumbers found the top three home leaks plumbers tend to are pipes, toilets, and sink taps, and they fix 192 home leaks each on average, every year. 

The survey revealed that 93% of tradespeople agree that often a leak will get worse over time, while 83% of homeowners think leaks will just go away.  

WaterWise data indicates having a leaking toilet, for example, could cost each household an extra £308.78 a year.  

To save water, save money and leave more water in the environment, Affinity Water has teamed up with Sarah Beeny to encourage the nation to identify leaks within the home and understand when it's time to call in the experts to fix them.  

James Curtis, head of leakage, Affinity Water explains: "Reducing leakage across our network is extremely important and critical in helping us to leave more water in the environment. 

"We are working tirelessly to find and fix leaks across our network, and working with Government and the industry on how we can make the wider water infrastructure better. 

He added: "While we continue to take care of this, everyone can play their part to save water, save money on their bills, and together leave more water in the environment. We encourage everyone to find and fix their leaking taps, toilets, and pipes in their homes." 

To understand your water footprint and find out how you can uncover leaks in your home visit https://www.affinitywater.co.uk/homeleaks