Today's question: How concerned should I be about a leaky toilet?

"Plain Talk" answer: According to the EPA, 11,000 gallons of water every year is lost from the average American household because of running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks. A leaky toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons (757 liters) of water a day. A common reason toilets leak is that the toilet flapper has become worn and no longer seals closed once the toilet has filled. Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time, particularly if you use a chlorine tablet in the tank. If you are handy, it's easy to replace the flapper, and advice is available on the Internet.

For more information on this and many other water-related topics, check out "Plain Talk About Drinking Water" by Dr. James M. Symons.