How to Save Money on Your Water Bill – Simple Tips That Work

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Sep 22, 2024

How to Save Money on Your Water Bill – Simple Tips That Work

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With the cost of living being at an all-time high, some things need to be done to reduce it — and many of them start with our bills. We use water every day, and it’s normal for that bill to be high, but it can be made lower with a few minor adjustments. So, if you want to know some tips and tricks to help you save money on your water bill, keep reading.

In this article

1. Take shorter showers

We’ve all been there, taking an everything shower that lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Honestly, sometimes we need that. It’s the time that brings out the best and worst ideas. But, with today’s cost of living crisis, the long showers must be few and far between.

So, taking shorter showers is a great way to reduce the water bill. Making sure that the water isn’t running when shampooing, conditioning, and sudsing up your body is going to help as well.

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2. Turn off the tap when not in use

When brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or washing dishes by hand, turn the tap off when you don’t need to rinse anything. This way, you save water and reduce your bills. The average person in the US uses 80–100 gallons of water a day, so even this minor change can make your water bill go down.

3. Use appliances on the “eco” setting

Eco settings on dishwashers and washing machines help with the water bill because they use less water when washing. As a bonus, they also use less power because they don’t heat the water as high.

Using eco settings is a win-win for saving money by reducing your bills. Those settings also benefit the environment, so it’s a win-win-win!

4. Use appliances only when full

It is not always possible, especially with the washing machine, but try only to use the dishwasher and the washing machine when full. Doing this will reduce the amount of water and electricity used and will help reduce your bills overall.

5. Install efficient toilets and faucets

Getting an efficient toilet can be a game changer when it comes to water usage. Most of the water used in the households of US citizens comes from the bathroom, and half of that water usage is from the toilet. So, getting one that uses less water will decrease the water bill.

But, if you can’t or don’t want to spend money on a new toilet, you can always make some modifications to your current one by placing plastic bottles filled with sand or pebbles in the toilet tank. Doing this will ensure that less water gets filled in the tank; therefore, less water is used with every flush.

Changing your faucets to efficient ones can also reduce your water bill. Again, if you are not in a position to swap all of your faucets for efficient ones, you can always modify your existing ones by installing water-efficient faucet aerators.

6. Check for leaks

A leak in your toilet can cause many more problems than just a high water bill if left unchecked. The same goes for leaky faucets and faulty plumbing. It is always a good idea to check for any issues at least once a month or if you notice an uptick in your water bill.

7. Collect rainwater

If you can do it, collecting rainwater is a great way to cut down on the water bill. You can use rainwater to water your plants and lawn. By doing this, you reduce the amount of water you use in your house and ensure your greenery has all the water it needs.

8. Get drought-tolerant landscaping

Consider getting drought-tolerant grass, shrubs, trees, and flowers when landscaping. The best way to go is to choose native plants for your area since they will need less watering and care than non-native ones, as they are already accustomed to living in the wild and being cared for just by Mother Nature. This practice is called xeriscaping and has been proven to reduce water usage.

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9. Start composting

Everyone (and I mean everyone), even those who live in an apartment, can figure out how to compost. Composting will bring many positives in your life and help the environment.

I get that having a garbage disposal is a nice convenience. Still, by composting, not only will you be able to eliminate clogs, leaks, and odors that come from using a garbage disposal, but if you turn all those food scraps into compost, you’ll have a way to help your plants grow (yes even the house plants). On top of that, it will save you money in the long run.

The main downside of using a garbage disposal is that you waste a lot of water when operating it. If you remove your garbage disposal or reduce its usage, you save on your water bill. Bonus: you also won’t need to spend money on repairs or replacements.

10. Don’t waste water when getting a drink

Now, I am not saying to drink warm water, but waiting for the water to cool down when getting a drink throws up to a gallon a day down the drain (literally). Instead of letting all that water go to waste, put it in a bottle to water your plants.

The best thing you can do to avoid wasting water and reduce your water bill when wanting a drink is to have a refillable container in your fridge to always have a cool drink on hand.

The bottom line

In the face of rising living costs, making small changes to daily water usage can lead to significant savings on your water bill. From taking shorter showers and using appliances more efficiently to installing water-saving fixtures and adopting water-wise landscaping, each tip provided aims to reduce your water consumption and lower your expenses. Additionally, these measures not only save money but also promote environmental sustainability, making them beneficial for both your wallet and the planet.

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