Our local utility company just announced that they will start charging more for water usage this summer. In many parts of the country, water and sewer rates are increasing faster than inflation. Here are a few tips for saving on your water bills.
- Turn your sprinklers off when it rains. Often, you can go up to seven to ten days without watering your lawn if you receive solid rainfall for most of a day. In addition, ensure your sprinklers are set to go on before 9am or after 4pm so the water doesn’t evaporate right away.
- If you notice an unusual spike in your water bill one month, check for water leaks. If you turn off everything that uses water inside your home and you still see movement on your water meter, you may have a leak within your home. You can buy a water leak detector and go through your home looking to see where there might be an issue. Also, it helps to walk around your property to see if there are any leaky sprinklers, pipes, or hoses.
- Take steps to conserve water usage at home. By taking shorter showers, turning off the water during teeth brushing, and taking your car to an energy efficient car wash, you can save water on a weekly basis.
- Ensure your water-using appliances are efficient. A new energy-efficient dishwasher can save gallons of water every time you run it. A new toilet can save you gallons of water every time you flush. Water efficient showerheads are also a great way to reduce water usage.