How Can I Save Money on Water and Sewer Charges?
Using only as much water as necessary is a matter not only of economy but also of living responsibly. It's the right thing to do for ourselves, our community and our environment.
How Much Is Enough?
Washing cars, taking baths and showers, washing clothes and dishes are all "necessary" uses of water. But the amount of water used can vary greatly. The consumer can exercise a great deal of control over how much water their home and yard uses daily. Stewardship, not sacrifice, is the aim here.
Less than One Dollar Per DayA Penny Saved
It's the little things that matter most in the long run. Before you think of sacrifices, be sure that you are not unknowingly wasting water.
Don't Flush Money Away
Toilets account for the typical family's greatest daily water use inside the home.
- Check for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If food coloring shows up in the bowl after 15 to 30 minutes without flushing, fix the leak.
- If the toilet handle sticks in the flush position and water runs constantly, replace or adjust it immediately to avoid water waste.
- Newer water-efficient toilets can use less than half the water used by older models.
- Don't use the toilet as a trash can. Every flush uses at least six gallons of water.
Clean for Less
- In washing machines, adjust the amount of water used to the actual size of the load.
- Use the shortest cycle appropriate to the load you're washing.
- Water-saving washing machines can save up to 20 gallons per load over older machines.
- Don't let the shower run before stepping into it or after stepping out.
- Consider using low flow shower heads.
- Plug the bathtub before turning the water on.
Kitchen Savers
- Turn the faucets off tightly.
- Install faucet aerators.
- Repair dripping faucets.
- Keep drinking water in the refrigerator to save water lost while filling glasses at the sink.
- Thaw food in the refrigerator or the microwave, not under running water.
- Use the microwave to heat water for cooking instead of letting the water run to get hot.
- Don't run water while you scrape pans. Let them soak.
Yard and Garden Hints
- Check basement, crawlspace, outside water faucets and sprinkler heads for leaks.
- Turn the water softener off when vacationing.
- Winterize outdoor faucets to avoid pipes bursting or freezing.
- Water lawns in the morning to avoid evaporation loss, and don't over water.
- Get a sensor that shuts off the automatic sprinklers when it's raining.
- Position sprinklers to water the lawn and not the sidewalk.
- Direct downspouts or gutters toward shrubs or trees.
- Use a spray nozzle hose so that it will shut off automatically.
- To avoid water loss from leaks in hoses, turn off the water at the house.
- Use a broom rather than water to "sweep" the garage or the drive.
- Put covers on pools.
- Install water-saving pool filters and recirculating pumps.