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Are you constantly doing math in your head, trying to figure out ways to lower your water bill? If it seems like you’re paying a good amount on each month or you just want to bring the number down, there are ways to trim your water use and cut your bill.

The average household uses about 260 gallons of water every day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If you put your attention on using more efficient appliances, detecting leaks, and lowering the amount of water you use for keeping your landscaping green, you will be well on your way to lowered water use and a lower water bill. Here are six critical things you can do to lower your water bill.

 

  1. Swap out your toilet for a new one with the WaterSense label: Toilets are a drastic water-guzzler, using up about 30 percent of a household’s interior water. The EPA states that toilets made prior o1992 use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. Typically, newer models with the WaterSense label require just 1.28 gallons. By switching over, a household can easily save up to $2,000 over the lifetime of the fixture. Opting for dual flush toilets, which use less water for flushing liquid and more water for flushing solids, also aids in conservation.
  2. Check for leaks: Properly fixing leaks can save you up to 10 percent on your annual water bill. The most notable sources are leaking faucets, flappers that need to be replaced in the toilet, and other valves that leak. The EPA offers useful tips for detecting leaks.
  3. Replace faucets and shower heads: Water from faucets should sum about 15 percent of a household’s inside water, and showers account for about 17 percent. You can lower you water usage for both if you replace them with WaterSense faucets and shower heads. Even purchasing an inexpensive aerator for your faucet can aid in lowering down water use.
  4. Buy ENERGY STAR appliances: When you throw in a load of laundry, it takes on average, about 41 gallons of water to get the job completed. A more efficient washing machine will use 35 to 50 percent less water. Make sure to look for the label when you replace your dishwasher, too.
  5. Rethink your lawn: The average lawn needs 10,000 gallons of non-rain water a year to thrive. About 30 percent of all household water usage is for outdoor uses. Find native plants and foliage that grow best in your climate. If you want to keep your lawn, try to use a low-water grass and lower the amount of area that is landscaped by grass.
  6. Focus on the water heater: This generally out-of-sight fixture consumes about 13 percent of the water bill and up to 25 percent of your energy bill, too. You can assist in lowering that expenditure by using an insulation blanket and insulating the cold and hot water pipes connecting to the heater.