3 Ways to Save Money on Your Water Bill

It's all too easy for your household's water usage to spiral out of control.

Ever open your water bill and feel like you’ve just paid for an Olympic-sized swimming pool’s worth of water? You’re not alone. Many of us are using far more water than we realize, and it's not just bad for the planet—it’s also draining your wallet. But don't worry, saving money on your water bill is actually pretty achievable with a few smart tweaks. Let’s dive into three easy ways to cut down on water usage and keep more cash in your pocket.

1. The Lawn's Water Guzzler Status

Your lawn might look green and inviting, but it's guzzling more water than you might think. On average, a typical lawn needs between 1 inch and 2 inches of water each week. To put it in perspective, if you have a 5,000 sq ft lawn (which is on the small side), you're looking at some hefty water consumption.

Let’s break it down with some math:

• 1 inch of water over 1 sq ft = 0.623 gallons.
• So, 1 inch of water over 5,000 sq ft = 0.623 gallons * 5,000 = 3,115 gallons per week!

Holy moly, that’s a lot of H2O! If you're doubling it to 2 inches, that's 6,230 gallons weekly. No wonder your water bill is sky-high. One way to cut down on this absurd usage is by rethinking your lawn. Instead of the thirsty traditional turf, consider planting drought-tolerant ground cover or grass varieties that require less water. Plants like sedum, creeping thyme, and buffalo grass are excellent choices that can thrive on minimal watering.

But wait, don’t just plant anything willy-nilly. Make sure to check your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to pick plants that are well-suited to your climate. Trust me, your water bill (and the environment) will thank you!

2. Leaky Plumbing: Silent Water Wasters

Ever notice a small drip from your tap and think it’s no big deal? Well, think again. Even small leaks can waste gallons of water each day without you realizing it, adding up to significant costs over time.

One way to stay on top of potential leaks is by installing a smart home water monitoring system. These nifty gadgets can detect even the tiniest leaks and alert you in real-time via your smartphone. The catch? Most of these systems require professional installation by a plumber, though some models can work by detecting water flow through your water meter. Either way, they’re a fantastic investment.

Imagine waking up one morning to a notification on your phone, warning you about a leak before it has the chance to spiral out of control. Not only will you save on water, but you’ll also dodge the potential expense of water damage repairs. Now that’s what I call a win-win!

3. The Power of Water-Saving Devices

Ever heard of low-flow toilets and showerheads? If not, you’re in for a treat. These modern marvels can save you gallons of water every single day, particularly in larger households.

Let’s talk toilets first. Older models can use up to 5 gallons per flush, while low-flow versions use only about 1.6 gallons. Do the math, and you’re saving more than 3 gallons per flush. If your household flushes ten times daily, that’s over 30 gallons saved each day—or more than 10,000 gallons annually!

Showerheads are another culprit. Swapping out your old showerhead for a low-flow model can cut your water usage in the shower by 40% or more. Given that showers are one of the major water guzzlers in the home, those savings can add up fast.

Here’s another tip: If your home’s water pressure is on the high side, consider having a plumber install a pressure regulator. Not only will this reduce wear and tear on anything connected to your plumbing system, but it’s also likely to lead to lower water usage. High pressure often means more water flowing out of every tap and showerhead, so regulating it can help keep your consumption—and your bills—down.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks. By rethinking your lawn, keeping an eye out for leaks, and installing water-saving devices, you can significantly cut down your water usage and save a little—or a lot—on your water bill. Imagine what you could do with all that extra cash. Maybe a nice dinner out, a new gadget, or even just the peace of mind knowing you’re not wasting precious resources.

Go on, give these tips a try, and start watching those savings pour in. Happy conserving!

If you want to take control of your finances and get a handle on where your money goes each month, Latwy offers a free 30-day trial.