Smart Ways to Lower Your Water Bill and Save Money

Water affordability is a growing concern among households all across the US.

Rising water prices force many to choose between severely rationing water or risk turning their connections off due to unpaid bills. 

According to one survey, a typical US household’s combined sewer and water bill has more than doubled since 2012, up 54.8%, or by 4.1% annually.  

We are now in a position where saving water is not just an environmental imperative but a financial one. 

Fortunately, there are ways to lower your water bill through various methods, devices, and innovations in plumbing technology. 

Review Your Water Usage to Start Saving

The first order of business is identifying areas where water is being inefficiently used or wasted. 

That is easily accomplished by conducting a thorough water audit. A water audit comprehensively assesses how much water a business or household uses. It involves analyzing water consumption patterns to identify inefficiency and potential savings areas. This can help businesses and individuals reduce water usage, conserve resources, and lower water bills.

A water audit evaluates supply systems and equipment and will identify leaks, inefficiencies, and areas where water is wasted. It explores opportunities to conserve water, improve sustainability, and reduce the water bill. 

Everyday Actions to Keep Your Water Bill Low 

When it comes to daily water usage habits, there’s a lot you can do to cut back on consumption while minimizing waste. 

Here’s how to save money on water bills in three simple ways:

• Shorter Showers: The average showerhead uses 2.1 gallons of water per minute. Cutting down on shower time by even a few minutes makes a difference. 
• Fixing Leaks and Drips: Household leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wastage annually. Fix leaks and drips the moment you find them. 
• Turning off the Tap: Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth saves 200 gallons of water a month. You can do the same while washing dishes.  

Upgrading to Water Efficient Fixtures and Appliances

This category of fixtures and appliances is designed to save water without compromising performance. 

Here are a few water-saving devices you can use: 

• Low Flow Showerheads: Use less water (1.5 gallons per minute or less) while maintaining good pressure. 
• Faucet Aerators: Are screwed onto faucet tips to mix air with water and limit the flow without inconvenience. 
• Pressure Reducing Valves: Reduce incoming pressure from water mains and help conserve water. 
• High-Efficiency Toilets: Use water velocity instead of volume to drive waste down the drain. 

While water-efficient fixtures and appliances can be more expensive than standard variants, the long-term savings they bring far outweigh the initial costs. You may even get a discount or rebate on your new fixtures or appliances through the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program.

Smart Watering for a Lower Water Bill

The average American household uses 30% of its daily water for outdoor use, mostly to water lawns and gardens.  

The smart watering solutions mentioned below can help you cut back on your water bill significantly:

• Drought Resistant Landscaping: Uses various shading techniques and plants that need less water to thrive. 
• Irrigation Scheduling: Using weather data and sensors to optimize watering schedules automatically. 
• Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater in reservoirs to limit dependence on water supply. 

Deciphering Your Bill for Further Savings 

Your water bill doesn’t show just the amount due. It also provides an easy way to understand household water usage patterns. 

Your water bill tells you:

• How much water are you using, in terms of either centum cubic feet (CCF) or gallons per month? 
• Your water usage trends. For instance, water bills generally tend to be higher in summer. 
• How are you being charged? Is it according to uniform rates, seasonal rates, or increasing block rates?     

Monitoring your bill over time can help you set realistic goals to reduce water usage and track progress. 

Ready to Dive into Water Savings? 

Reducing water consumption can help you save hundreds, even thousands of dollars annually. Put the tips in this article to work immediately and start lowering your water bill immediately. 

As you take action to reduce water bills, you can learn more tips about water-saving fixtures and smart water use from online resources. Contact Legacy Plumbing today if you need professional help detecting leaks or installing water-saving devices.