9 Tips for Reducing Your Water Bills

The average American household spends about $70 per month on their water bill, which can be a significant expense. This is especially true for families who live in areas with high water rates.
There are a few easy ways to reduce your water usage and, as a result, lower your monthly water bill. Here are 9 tips:
- Check for leaks. A small leak can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. That’s 1,400 gallons of water per month! Leaks can be fixed easily and often at little to no cost. If you are unsure whether or not you have a leak, put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the color appears in your bowl within 15 minutes, you have a leak.
- Install water-saving fixtures. Some fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads, can save you a significant amount of water. This is a great option if you’re looking to upgrade your fixtures anyway.
- Don’t let the water run. When brushing your teeth or washing your hands, turn the water off when you’re not using it. This can save up to 4 gallons of water per minute. You can also save water by not letting the faucet run while you’re waiting for it to get cold.
- Water your plants during the cooler hours of the day. This will help reduce evaporation and ensure that your plants are getting the water they need. You can also catch rainwater to water your plants. Aside from being free, rainwater is also great for plants because it’s soft and doesn’t contain any chlorine.
- Fix drips. A single drip can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. So, if you have a dripping faucet, make sure to fix it right away. This is an easy and inexpensive way to save water. Check all of your faucets and pipes for leaks, not just the ones in your kitchen and bathroom.
- Use a dishwasher. Believe it or not, using a dishwasher can actually save you water. This is especially true if you have an energy-efficient model. If you wash your dishes by hand, make sure to fill up the sink instead of letting the water run the entire time.
- Don’t water your lawn every day. Watering your lawn every day is a waste of water and can actually harm your grass. Once or twice a week is usually sufficient unless there’s been a recent heatwave. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, make sure it’s set to water your lawn in the early morning or evening when evaporation is at a minimum.
- Collect greywater. Greywater is water that’s been used for showering, washing dishes, or laundry. This water can be reused to water your plants. All you need is a simple greywater system, which can be easily installed by a plumber.
- Have your plumbing checked. If your home is more than 20 years old, it’s a good idea to have your plumbing checked for leaks. This is especially true if you live in an area with hard water, as this can cause pipes to corrode over time. You can always call a professional or company that offers plumbing services in Utah or wherever you are.
By following these tips, you can save a significant amount of water and money. Conserving water is important not only for our wallets but also for the environment.