[rohrmann]

Turn off power and gas to the water heater, let it cool down, and turn off water also. Then, remove the anode, and if it is still serviceable, you can re-install it. Make sure you have a roll of Teflon tape and wrap several layers of the tape on the threads and screw it back in. It has tapered pipe threads, so tighten it very well and you will solve the water leak. Before turning on electric or gas, make sure the water heater tank is full so you have water coming out of your faucets. Once the tank is full and you have electric or gas heating the water, check for leaks, and if it is still leaking, tighten the anode more until the leak stops.