photo credit: [ jeremy ]
Expensive utilities like gas and water get a lot of coverage in the news media. There are always experts ready to give you tips on how to use less electricity or less gas to keep utilities bill low. Your water bill, however, gets overlooked a great deal of the time because it’s such a naturally low bill.
That lack of focus doesn’t mean, though, that there isn’t money to be saved on your monthly water bill. And, you really don’t have to make any major lifestyle changes to start realizing this savings. A few simple tricks can cut your water bill significantly. You’ll even get to brag about being more environmentally-conscious as you cut your water consumption.
Fix any water leaks right away.
A couple of years ago a water leak developed in one of our outside water spigots. We were pretty busy at the time, so we didn’t make getting it fixed one of our top priorities. Then, we got our next water bill. Our water bill went from being around $30 each month to being $150! That certainly got our attention. As soon as we had the leak repaired, our bill went back to normal.
Make toilets more efficient.
Traditional toilets typically use much more water than they really need to operate. Opting to install a low-flow toilet will cut the fixture’s usage, but you don’t have to install a new toilet to get the same benefit. Placing an old milk jug in the toilet’s tank will reduce the water it takes to fill the tank. The toilet will still flush, but will use much less water. On a side note, pay attention to toilets that constantly run. They have the same effect as a leaking pipe on your water usage.
Don’t linger in the shower.
I know it’s tempting to take a few extra minutes while you’re in the shower. Sometimes, it’s the only time you have to yourself in a hectic day. All of that extra water usage, however, can start to build up over the course of the month. I hated the idea of setting a timer to keep me moving in the shower, though, so I found another way to keep me conscious of the time. I keep a radio in the bathroom to play while I’m getting ready. As I enjoy some of my favorite tunes, I am able to keep some kind of idea of how much time has passed.
Landscape with plants that don’t need a lot of water.
A lush, green lawn looks beautiful, but that beauty comes with a price. Warm climates require regular waterings that can wreak havoc in your water bill. Instead, design your landscape around plants that thrive in your area. They’ll be cheaper and less work, too.
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Cool tips. And if you can’t fix leaks right away, you can put a bucket under the leak, and use them to water the plants!
We live in California and our water bill is about $75 per month, which is probably normal for a house our size. (Our water rates are pretty high.) I would love to cut back, but I take long showers and my DW has her plants and garden. We have already installed low-flow showerheads and toilets and that has helped a lot. I am also seriously thinking about drip-mist. I would like to save the water as much as the money.
Number three is much easier said than done
Especially after a long workout!
Great tips!
We’re on a well so the cost isn’t an issue for us. But since water is a precious commodity, especially here in California, we still work hard to conserve. A couple things we’ve done:
- Install a high-efficiency toilet. We did a lot of research to find an effective toilet – if still requires 2-3 flushes then you’re eliminating any water savings. We also got a rebate that covered 75% of the cost.
- Install a drip irrigation system. It’s more water efficient since it’s watering only the plant and it cuts down on weeds too!
- Finally, small thing, I fill our hand soap bottles half full with soap and then the other half with water. It’s enough to soap and clean your hands but takes less water to rinse. Also makes your soap go further.