How to Reduce Your Water Bill

Saving water is not only good for the environment, but it’s also a benefit for your bank account! When you’re moving about your home, use the tips below to help reduce your water usage and bill:

• Don’t Rinse Dishes
  Your faucet can use as much as 2.2 gallons of water per minute while Energy Star dishwashers use 4 to 6 gallons of water per cycle. That means running your sink faucet for only 3 minutes uses more water than an entire cycle in a dishwasher!
• Wash Only Full Loads of Dishes
  Using the dishwasher is helpful to save water, but only if you’re maximizing the space within the dishwasher. Refer to the owner’s manual for the best locations for different directions and only run a cycle when it’s full.
• Water Your Garden Early in the Day
  Because temperatures tend to be lower in the morning compared to later in the day, evaporation rates are lower, as well, meaning more water is absorbed by greenery. It is also worthwhile to check your hose and nozzle to ensure there are no leaks, as those quickly raise your water usage!
• Get a Better Showerhead
  The standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute, but more efficient models can cut this down to 1.5 gallons or less per minute. Consumer Reports recommends the Hopopro High Pressure Fixed Showerhead for $30.00.
• Replace an Old Toilet
  Older toilet models use as much as 6 gallons of water per flush while newer toilets often use 1.28 gallons or less per flush. By switching a single toilet in a home to a water-efficient model, the average family reduces their water consumption by 20% or more.
• Use Less Laundry Detergent
  This is another tip that saves money in multiple ways! Using too much detergent causes energy-efficient washers to use more water in an extended rinse cycle, since it takes more rinse cycles to rid the clothes of excess detergent. While it may look right to pour in more detergent, cutting down on the amount used will stretch the detergent further and use less water.
• Wash Most Clothes on the Auto Setting
  Unless the items you’re washing are ultra filthy or caked in dirt, try to avoid using heavy duty or extended washing cycles that use more water than the typical load. Consistently using cold water also saves you money on utility bills and conserves the hot water for your shower!

Source: Consumer Reports October 2024