Running water is necessary for everyday life, but with the rising cost of living, avoiding inflated prices has become a challenge. The average U.S. water bill has risen almost 51% in the past decade, leaving many trying to figure out ways to cut corners to save money. Despite how difficult it can be to squeeze savings out of your water bill, you can take some simple steps to be more water-efficient.
Take Shorter and Colder Showers
The average shower uses five to seven gallons of water per minute, while heating water makes up around 18% of annual utility bills. This means you can save a lot if your showers are just five minutes quicker and a bit colder. You don’t have to give up a comfortably steamy shower in favor of freezing temperatures, but the colder and shorter you can endure, the cheaper it is.
Rethink doing your dishes by hand. The average dishwasher only requires 3.5 gallons per load compared to the 27 gallons of water it takes to wash family dishes by hand every night. The U.S. Department of Energy says households can save upwards of 8,000 gallons annually by forgoing hand-washing dishes in favor of the dishwasher. Of course, some things will still need to be hand washed, so be sure to only use dishwasher-safe dishware in your dishwasher.
Replace Old Toilets
Older toilets use around four times more water per flush than newer models, so a replacement can save you big in the long run. The average toilet needs to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, so it’s best to act now if you’re overdue for a replacement. Plumbing problems can also add to your water bill, particularly a leaky toilet, which can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. If you’re concerned that your toilet may be leaking, put a small amount of food coloring into the toilet tank and see if it seeps into the bowl.
Garbage disposals require a lot of water to function. Start a compost pile in your kitchen instead of wasting water to break down food scraps. Compost piles are an excellent method for enriching the soil in your garden and cultivating healthier plants — all with the added benefits of saving big on your monthly water bill.
Bennett Kleinman, Better Report