How to Save on Your Water Bill
Gain control over your water consumption and expenses with proven methods for a more efficient home.
Water is a fundamental resource in every home, supporting daily activities from hygiene to meal preparation. The financial impact of water consumption, reflected in monthly utility bills, can be substantial for households. Understanding and managing water usage helps control expenses and contributes to environmental sustainability. By implementing practical strategies, individuals can significantly reduce their water footprint and achieve measurable savings.
Identifying Water Consumption and Leaks
Understanding your household’s water consumption begins with your water meter, typically located near the curb or property line. Regularly checking the meter reveals usage patterns and indicates potential issues. To perform a basic leak test, ensure no water is being used inside or outside your home. Observe the meter’s leak indicator, often a small triangle or star. If this indicator is still turning, or if the meter reading changes after 30 minutes with no water use, a leak is likely present on your property.
Leaks are a common source of water waste and can significantly inflate utility bills. Toilets are frequent culprits, with internal leaks often going unnoticed. A simple dye test, using a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank, can reveal if water is silently seeping into the bowl without flushing.
Faucets, showerheads, and pipes under sinks are also common leak locations, often signaled by visible drips or dampness. Outdoor areas, including irrigation systems and main service lines, can also develop leaks, sometimes indicated by unusually green or wet spots in the yard. Addressing these leaks promptly can prevent considerable water loss.
Saving Water Inside Your Home
The bathroom accounts for a significant portion of indoor water use, making it a primary area for conservation. Shorter showers, ideally around five minutes, use less water than baths, which can consume 35 to 50 gallons. Turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, or soaping during a shower can save several gallons. Avoiding the toilet as a wastebasket prevents unnecessary flushing, which typically uses over a gallon per flush.
In the kitchen, water efficiency improves through mindful habits. Running dishwashers only when full maximizes their efficiency, as many models use a similar amount of water regardless of load size. Scraping plates into the trash instead of pre-rinsing them under running water saves gallons per load. When washing fruits and vegetables, use a basin or plugged sink instead of continuous running water. Defrosting frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight or using a microwave also conserves this resource.
Laundry practices offer opportunities for water savings. Always washing full loads is the most water-efficient approach, as washing machines use a substantial amount of water per cycle. If a full load is not feasible, select the appropriate load size setting on your machine to adjust water levels. Using cold water for most laundry cycles saves energy and contributes to overall water efficiency. Pre-treating stains can also reduce the need for rewashing.
Conserving Water Outdoors
Outdoor water use, particularly for landscaping, can account for a significant portion of a household’s total consumption, especially in drier climates. Opting for drought-tolerant plants, often referred to as xeriscaping, reduces the need for frequent irrigation. Applying mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture, minimizing evaporation and suppressing weeds. Grouping plants with similar water needs allows for more targeted and efficient irrigation.
Implementing efficient irrigation practices is important for outdoor water conservation. Watering deeply and infrequently encourages plants to develop deeper root systems, making them more resilient to dry spells. Watering during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning, reduces water loss due to evaporation. Drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimizing waste from runoff and evaporation.
Other outdoor activities also present opportunities for water savings. When washing vehicles at home, use a bucket and sponge with a hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. Washing a car on a lawn allows water to absorb into the ground, reducing runoff into storm drains. Covering swimming pools when not in use helps reduce water loss through evaporation. Sweeping driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of hosing them down conserves water.
Utilizing Water-Efficient Products and Programs
Investing in water-efficient products can lead to long-term savings on utility bills. Products bearing the WaterSense label, an identifier from the Environmental Protection Agency, are certified to use at least 20 percent less water while maintaining performance. This includes fixtures like showerheads, toilets, and faucets, which can collectively save thousands of gallons annually. Energy Star rated washing machines and dishwashers also operate with reduced water consumption, contributing to both water and energy savings.
Many local utility companies and government agencies offer financial incentives for adopting water-saving technologies and practices. These programs can include rebates for purchasing WaterSense or Energy Star certified appliances, or for installing drought-tolerant landscaping. Tax credits or other financial benefits may also be available for upgrading to more efficient irrigation systems or fixtures. Check your local utility provider’s website or municipal resources to discover specific programs that can help offset initial costs.