Most folks can stand to reduce their water bill – and many might not even know it. Taking a few simple steps – or forming new habits – can add up to hundreds of dollars saved over the course of a year.
Plus, you’ll also save time and energy by planning ahead, so it’s a win-win!
Here’s how to reduce your water bill
1. Take shorter showers (and skip the bath)
If you spend a long time relaxing in the shower, you’re driving up your water bill.
Break the cycle by trimming off a minute or two when you shower. See if you can consolidate a couple of steps.
This might not make a big difference if you live alone, but if you and your family all reduce your shower time, it can really add up – and save you a lot of money.
2. Store drinking water in the fridge
Instead of running water from the tap until it’s cool enough to drink, consider purchasing a container to keep water in the fridge. That way it’s already cool when you want it, and you can save on water waste.
As an added benefit, many pitchers have a built-in filter, so your water will be cooler and cleaner – all while reducing your water usage.
3. Turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth or shave
Most folks are guilty of this one, myself included. Fortunately, this one’s an easy habit to master: simply turn the water off when you’re brushing or shaving. It’s so much easier said than done, but so worth mastering.
I’ve gotten really good at it. And it’s worthwhile too, because this is a huge waste, which can mean substantial savings on your water bill. Your teeth don’t get any cleaner when you run the water while brushing, but your wallet won’t get lighter either. Give it a try! I promise it’s worth it.
4. Fill up appliances before you run them
This one saves you time and money. Because you can unload your dishwasher or dry your clothes one time and get it done instead of breaking it up into multiple loads.
Plus, if you run your appliances less frequently, you’ll save on electricity too.
Don’t already have a dishwasher? Consider installing one! They use a lot less water than hand washing your dishes and are more affordable than you might think. It’s also nice to do other things while your dishes are being cleaned. One less task on the to-do list!
5. Water your yard or garden at certain times of day
Having beautiful flowers or a green yard is a source of pride for many folks. But all the water you need can be a huge waste if you’re watering in the middle of the day. That’s because water evaporates more quickly during the heat of the day and won’t have the chance to fully seep into the soil.
Instead, your watering efforts will go much further if you can hydrate your yard or plants in the evening or in the morning before it gets too hot.
If you must water your garden in the middle of the day, consider adding mulch to the topsoil because it helps prevents water from evaporating.
If you have a big yard or lots of plants, this is a simple change that can add up to big savings.
Bottom line
Easy ways to reduce your water bill include:
- Taking shorter showers
- Keeping drinking water pre-chilled
- Turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth or shave
- Running dishwashers and washing machines only when they’re full
- Watering the yard in the morning or evening
If you can put a few of these tips into practice, you can save big on your water bill. They may seem small but can add up in the long run, especially over the course of a year.