How To Save Money On Water Bill

The average U.S. household spends about $73 per month on water, with costs varying based on location and usage. For a family of four, this adds up to nearly $900 annually, which is a significant expense that can quickly rise if you have a larger household or use more water than average.

The good news? There are plenty of ways to cut down your water bill. From fixing leaks to adopting smarter habits, this guide is packed with practical tips on how to save money on your water bill. Keep reading to lower your monthly water bill and make every drop count!

1. Fix Leaks

Household leaks are sneaky little villains that can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water per home annually, according to the EPA. That's enough water to fill a small swimming pool! Not only do these leaks lead to unnecessary waste, but they can also inflate your water bill. So, let's see how we identify these leaks and fix them promptly.

Identifying Leaks in Your Home

1. Check for Common Culprits: Start your leak detective work by inspecting common sources such as faucets, toilets, showerheads, and hose connections. Look for damp spots, water stains, or any signs of moisture.
2. Toilet Leak Test: Toilets are notorious for being leaky. To check for leaks, drop a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and wait about 10 minutes without flushing. If you see any color in the bowl, congratulationsyou've found a leak! Just don't forget to flush immediately afterward; we don't want your toilet turning into a colorful science experiment!
3. Monitor Your Water Meter: For a more thorough investigation, turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures for about two hours. Then check your water meter. If the numbers have changed during that time, you likely have a leak somewhere in your plumbing.

Once you've found where the leaks are, it's time to take action!

• Start with faucets, just replace worn washers or gaskets from your local hardware store.
• For toilets, a faulty flapper valve or worn seal can waste up to 200 gallons daily, so swapping the flapper is a must.
• Showerheads that drip, can be fixed by tightening the connection or replacing the washer, and consider upgrading to a low-flow model for extra savings.
• Don't overlook appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, check hoses for leaks and replace any worn ones with reinforced steel-braided types.

2. Install WaterSense Fixtures

Installing WaterSense fixtures is one of the smartest moves you can make to cut down on your water bill. These EPA-certified faucets, showerheads, and toilets are designed to use 20% less water than standard models, which means you'll save money in the long run.

WaterSense fixtures are not just about saving water; they're also about performance. A WaterSense showerhead uses only 1.5 to 2 gallons per minute, compared to older models that can guzzle up to 5 gallons per minute. That means a typical 10-minute shower could go from using 50 gallons down to just 20 gallons, saving you over 43,800 gallons a year for a family of four! Plus, your water heater won't have to work as hard, which means lower energy bills too, talk about a double whammy!

3. Take Shorter Showers (Navy Showers)

The Navy shower technique is a genius way to slash your water bill while doing your part for the planet. Here's how it works: Turn on the water for about 30 seconds to wet your body and hair, then shut it off while you lather up with soap and shampoo. After about 30-60 seconds, turn the water back on just long enough to rinse off. This whole process should take no more than 2-3 minutes, using as little as 3 gallons of water compared to the 20-50 gallons used in a typical shower.

By adopting Navy showers, you could save up to 15,000 gallons of water per year, that's hundreds of dollars back in your pocket! Set a timer or play a short song to keep yourself on track, and consider pairing this technique with a low-flow showerhead for more savings.

4. Use Dishwashers Efficiently

Think you’re saving water by scrubbing dishes by hand? Think again! Modern dishwashers are the superheroes of the kitchen, using as little as 3 gallons per load compared to the 27 gallons that hand washing can waste. To be more efficient, you can skip the pre-rinse; modern machines can tackle the tough stuff. This can save you up to 6,000 gallons per year.

Choose eco-mode for lightly soiled dishes and run it at night to cut energy costs during off-peak hours. Another dishwashing tip to save your costs: if your dishwasher is older than the first iPhone, consider upgrading to an Energy Star model, which can save even more water for you.

5. Wash Clothes Wisely

When it comes to laundry, you can turn a chore into a money-saving mission! Here are a few laundry tips to help you save more money:

• Start by always running full loads. A full load uses the same amount of water as a half load, so why waste it?
• Combine smaller items with other loads to maximize efficiency.
• Use cold water instead of hot. It can save you a significant amount on energy bills since heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used in washing clothes. Plus, cold water is gentler on fabrics!
• Choose the right wash cycle for your load and skip the extra rinse unless absolutely necessary. Most detergents can rinse out effectively in one cycle.
• Keep your washing machine in top shape by regularly cleaning it and checking for leaks.

While washing clothes is a necessity, and you shouldn't skimp on that, you can use the tips mentioned above to cut down your costs and slash your water bill.

6. Monitor Usage with Smart Meters

If you've ever wished you could track your water usage like you track your steps on a fitness app, smart water meters are here to make that dream a reality. These devices replace traditional meters with advanced technology that monitors your water consumption in real-time, giving you instant feedback on how much water you're using and where you might be wasting it.

With smart meters, you can catch leaks before they become costly disasters, ensure accurate billing, and gain insights into your usage patterns. You can try out smart meters from brands like Badger Meter, Itron, Sensus (Xylem), and Neptune Technology Group. Set up the smart meters and get alerts on your water usage to save more!

7. Replace Your Toilet Flapper Once a Year

Did you know that a worn-out toilet flapper can waste up to 20-30 gallons of water per day? That's over 10,000 gallons a year! A sneaky way to drain your wallet! This tiny rubber piece at the bottom of your toilet tank may seem insignificant, but when it's not sealing properly, it forces your fill valve to keep refilling the tank, wasting water 24/7.

Replacing your flapper is easy and affordable (usually under $10). Just turn off the water supply, drain the tank, remove the old flapper, and install the new one. By doing this simple task once a year, you could save up to $100 annually on your water bill. Keep replacing your toilet flapper to prevent flushing money down the drain!

9. Switch to Low-Flow Products

Traditional toilets use up to 7 gallons per flush, while low-flow models cut that down to 1.28 gallons. Similarly, low-flow showerheads use 2 gallons per minute or less, saving families up to 2,700 gallons of water per year. This means significant savings on your monthly bills without sacrificing performance. Today's low-flow fixtures are designed with technologies like aerators and dual-flush systems for maximum efficiency.

By making the switch, you could save up to $90 annually on your water bill, plus lower energy costs from using less hot water. As mentioned earlier in the article, look for the EPA's WaterSense label/products when shopping to save more water.

10. Use Water Schemes (LIHWAP, CAPs)

If your water bill feels like too much, there are government water assistance programs like LIHWAP (Low Income Household Water Assistance Program) and CAPs (Customer Assistance Programs) to help you out. LIHWAP provides financial assistance to low-income households struggling with water or wastewater bills, potentially covering up to $1,500 for overdue payments and preventing service disconnections.

Meanwhile, CAPs (Customer Assistance Programs) offered by many utilities can include discounts on monthly bills or payment plans for overdue balances. To get started, check your eligibility by visiting the LIHWAP page or contacting your local utility provider. You'll typically need proof of income and recent water bills to apply.

11. Water Lawns Smartly

Your lawn doesn't have to be a water-guzzling diva. You need to water it smartly so you can keep it lush while saving you money. Water early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) to minimize evaporation, or late in the evening if you must. Ditch oscillating sprinklers for pulsating or rotary ones that deliver water closer to the ground. Consider installing rain barrels to collect runoff from your roof, giving you a sustainable source of water for outdoor use, because why pay for water when nature provides it for free?

Switching to drought-resistant landscaping with native plants or xeriscaping (designing gardens and landscapes to require minimal or no irrigation) can drastically cut outdoor water usage. You can use these tips to maintain a healthy lawn and save some money in the process.

Wrapping Up

You can make a few changes to your water usage habits and make noticeable savings over time. Be it using smart water meters or switching to low-flow products, making these changes can help you reduce your water bill. Just be mindful of how much water you are consuming and incorporate these practices; you can surely see your water bill lowering!f