Find how to save money on monthly water bills.
Due mainly to the nation’s aging infrastructure as well as climate change, many water companies are increasing customers monthly rates at amounts that greatly exceed the rate of inflation. Water is becoming a more precious commodity with now higher prices in most communities, yet it is a basic need of every household. Find steps to take to save money on water bills, including details on government programs and things you can do yourself.
Costs are going up around the country. Water companies are increasing both private customer’s as well as business rates so that the water providers can afford to pay for updates to the pipes, filtration systems, and other needed infrastructure upgrades. Monthly costs are also going up due to many of the natural supplies of water (such as lakes, reservoirs, snow melt, etc) are drying up. Here are some free, simple to take steps you can take to conserve, which will help you save money.
Government programs and local resources that help people save on water costs
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1. Request a free water audit or home evaluation. Many local water companies / utilities offer free or low-cost water audits. Most of these programs are available for any customer and they are not income based. A home water usage audit will in general include an inspection for leaks, irrigation systems, usage patterns, and efficiency advice.
2. Replace older toilets, showerheads, and faucets. While this can be costly for a family living paycheck to paycheck, there are some government incentives that help pay for it. Install WaterSense-labeled fixtures, which are certified to use less water. As an example, older toilets can use 3.5–7 gallons per flush; newer models use 1.28 gallons or less. There is barely, if any difference in the amount of pressure you will receive from these attachments.
- Low flow showerheads use less water too, as a older / conventional showerhead will in general use 3 to 7 gallons per minute (gpm) at normal water pressure. This equates to 15 to 35 gallons of water usage (and costs) for a five-minute shower. Compare that too a low-flow WaterSense certified showerhead that delivers 1 to 2.5 gpm and will equate to 5 to 12.5 gallons of water usage (and costs) for a five-minute shower, which will save you as much as 70% or more on your water bill for each shower.
3. Take advantage of efficient WaterSense products. If you ever need to make updates to your home or need to buy new products or appliances, only use WaterSense labeled products. They include toilets, shower heads, faucets, irrigation systems, and much more. These WaterSense products are equivalent to the EnergyStar appliances. They are not much more expensive to buy or install, and using them can help people save potentially hundreds of dollars per year on their water costs. Read about product offerings from the federal government’s WaterSense program.
4. Apply for government grants from the low income, LIHWAP water bill assistance program. This federally funded resource combines financial help along with free conservation measures. It is offered in all 50 states and is focused on families that may have their water serve disconnected or that are struggling to pay their bills. Learn more on LIHWAP water bill assistance program.
5. Explore other discount programs, payment plans, budget billing, and financial assistance. Many water companies offer some type of emergency assistance. While most of it is for lower income customers and seniors, other programs may be offered if customers agree to certain conservation measures. Call your water company, non-profit agencies in your area, or community action agency to look into. Click here for a listing of community action agencies.
Income-Based discount programs are offered to struggling low-income families. There are also often discounts for senior citizens over the age of 60 or households that have someone with a disability. It is worth making a phone call to your utility company and ask them, especially if you are a senior, living in or near poverty or are a veteran or disabled.
Steps to take yourself to conserve water and cut back on usage
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1. Point-of-Use Hot Water Heater (POU) are ”mini water tanks” installed right next to where the water is needed and plugs right into a wall outlet. In effect, point-of-use unit heats the water right where it's being used. Families that regularly use hot water for cleaning dishes in the sink, cleaning pans, or using it for hot drinks can save money from installing a point of use system. They may cost a hundred or two hundred dollars up front, but can pay for themselves in a couple years (depending on how much hot water you use).
2. Reduce the number of tub baths and showers that you take. Taking a shower, when equipped with a conventional shower head, uses about 3 to 7 gallons of water every minute. Just plan them out better as well so you are not potentially taking multiple showers per day. Taking a shower accounts for over 30 percent of the total water used in the home.
3. Immediately repair any dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet drips at the rate of one drop per second, you will potentially waste over 2,700 gallons of water per year. If you have multiple faucets that drip, the potential savings is even higher.
4. Check if your toilet may be leaking by adding food coloring to the tank. If your toilet is leaking, the color will appear within 30 minutes. Then be sure to check the toilet for corroded, worn out, or bent parts. Many replacement parts are inexpensive, easily installed, and readily available. Be sure to flush as soon as test is done as food coloring may stain tank.
5. Change habits to conserve water, and many of these are simple to do. Examples include the following. Combining these habits listed below can result in $100-$200 annually for a family of four.
- Turn off tap while brushing teeth or shaving (save 8–10 gallons per day).
- Run only full loads in dishwasher and laundry.
- Limit showers to 5 minutes.
6. Use a Faucet Aerator. This screws onto the bottom of your current faucet and it will reduce the amount of water flow but it keeps the pressure you receive the same. Some newer faucets may already have an aerator built into them. You can even buy an aerator that will swivel to allow you to direct the water pressure where you most need it. The amount of savings, per the DOE, will range from .5 to 1 gallon per minute by using an aerator. They usually cost under $10 per device but can lead to a 30% reduction in faucet water use with potential annual savings of $25–$50 per year.
7. Avoid flushing your toilet unnecessarily. Be sure to dispose of insects, tissues, and other such waste in the trash can rather than flushing the toilet. Each flush is equal to about 1.5 gallons of water. In addition, as noted, look into WaterSense toilets as well if/when it needs to be replaced.
8. Collect rainwater. Some cities or regional water companies give barrels away free or subsidize the cost, especially for low-income families. Once you get one, it is simple to install rain barrels to catch runoff from your roof. This water can be used for gardens, lawns, or outdoor cleaning.
9. Monitor your water usage digitally, which is a similar option such as a "smart" thermometer. There are different tools that can help do this, including smart water monitor or leak detector system (like Flume or Moen Flow). While they can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, many water companies offer rebates. They provide detailed data on usage, how much water is being used and when (such as each shower usage), provide real-time alerts for leaks and other detailed usage tracking.
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