How to Save Big on Your Water Bill

Saving on utilities is important for several practical and long-term reasons - both for individuals and the environment. Here’s some great ways to save on your water bill for extra money without sacrificing comfort.

Inside the house: Fix leaks. A dripping tap or running toilet can waste thousands of liters a year.

Examine your bathroom and install low-flow fixtures. Low-flow showerheads, faucets, and dual-flush toilets use significantly less water.

Take shorter showers: One of the simplest and most effective ways to conserve water at home is by reducing your shower time. A typical shower uses about 2 gallons of water per minute, so cutting your shower from 10 minutes to just 5 minutes can save up to 10 gallons of water each time.

Over the course of a week, that adds up to 70 gallons saved—more than 3,600 gallons a year for just one person. Multiply that by the number of people in your household, and the impact becomes even more significant.

Turn off the tap when you’re not in need of water such as while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing your face.

Common routines like brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face can use several gallons of water if the faucet is left on the entire time. For example, running the tap while brushing your teeth for two minutes can waste up to 4 gallons of water. Multiply that by two times a day, and that’s nearly 3,000 gallons per person per year down the drain for no good reason.

In the kitchen use your dishwasher efficiently by only running full loads. Newer dishwashers use less water than hand-washing. Don't pre-rinse dishes scrape off bits of food instead of rinsing before loading the dishwasher.

When doing the laundry only wash full loads and use load-size settings. Use high-efficiency machines, HE washers use 30–50% less water.

They achieve this by using advanced washing technology that requires less water to soak and rinse clothes. Over time, switching to HE appliances can significantly reduce your household water footprint, lower utility bills, and help protect natural water resources.

When it comes to the outdoors, water your plants and grass early or late. By watering lawns and gardens in the morning or late evening you’ll reduce evaporation.

Much of the water never reaches the roots, especially on sunny or windy days. Instead, watering early in the morning, ideally before 9 a.m., or later in the evening after the sun has gone down, allows moisture to soak deeper into the soil and gives plants time to absorb it before the heat sets in.

Consider drought-resistant plants: Native or xeriscape plants need less water. Mulch also reduces evaporation and keeps soil moist longer. Check irrigation and ensure sprinklers are only watering plants, not your pavement.

Over time, monitor your water bill: Unusual spikes may indicate leaks. Some final tips to take your savings next level?

Collect rainwater: Use barrels for garden use. By placing rain barrels beneath your home’s downspouts, you can gather and store rainwater for outdoor uses such as watering your garden, lawn, or potted plants.

This not only reduces your reliance on tap water, but also helps lower your water bill and reduces stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants into local waterways. Rainwater is naturally soft and free of chemicals like chlorine, making it especially beneficial for plants.

Finally, Install aerators which reduce flow without reducing pressure. Try these tips and let us know the impact on your water bill at @Wealth_Elf.