Phoenix last week launched a pilot program at Sunnyslope Manor that uses sensors to provide early detection of water leaks.

“As we continue facing a historic drought in the West, it is increasingly important that we conserve our water however we can,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 1 trillion gallons of water are lost to household leaks nationwide every year, and toilets are a top offender, said Cora Snyder, senior researcher at Pacific Institute, which assisted in the project that has been under development for nearly a year.

“We are literally flushing water and money down the drain,” Snyder said.

Sunnyslope Manor is an affordable housing community operated by the city.

Others involved in the project include the city’s water services and housing departments, Procter and Gamble and Sensor Industries, according to a release.