How to lower your water bill
How to lower your water bill
$840 – $1,200 average annual water bill
$170 – $480 potential annual savings
$70 – $100 per month
Average Water Bill Costs and Savings Potential
The average American household spends roughly $70 to $100 per month on water and sewer services, adding up to $840 to $1,200 per year. By making simple changes to how you use water at home, you can realistically reduce that bill by 20% to 40%, saving anywhere from $170 to $480 annually.
Whether your water bill has been creeping up or you simply want to trim monthly expenses, the good news is that most strategies to lower it cost little or nothing to implement. From fixing leaks to adjusting daily habits, small changes compound into meaningful savings over time.
| Strategy | Estimated Annual Savings |
|---|---|
| Fix leaks (faucets, toilets, pipes) | $50 - $200 |
| Install faucet aerators | $30 - $100 |
| Take shorter showers | $50 - $150 |
| Run full loads only (dishwasher and laundry) | $40 - $120 |
| Install low-flow showerhead | $50 - $100 |
| Reduce outdoor watering | $50 - $200 |
| Install a low-flow or dual-flush toilet | $70 - $150 |
Fix leaks immediately
Leaks are the single biggest source of wasted water in most homes. A faucet dripping once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons per year. A running toilet can waste 200 gallons per day or more, often without you even noticing.
| Type of Leak | Water Wasted per Day | Water Wasted per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Dripping faucet (1 drip/second) | ~8 gallons | ~3,000 gallons |
| Running toilet | 100 - 200 gallons | 36,500 - 73,000 gallons |
| Leaking pipe joint | 10 - 20+ gallons | 3,650 - 7,300+ gallons |
Inspect your faucets, toilets, pipes, and appliance connections regularly. To check for a toilet leak, drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, you have a leak. Most toilet leaks are caused by a worn flapper valve that costs less than $10 to replace.
Monitor your water bill: Keep an eye on your monthly water bill and watch for any sudden spikes. An unexplained increase often points to a hidden leak in your plumbing. Investigate right away to avoid wasting hundreds of gallons and paying for water you never used.
Install low-flow fixtures
Swapping out old fixtures for low-flow alternatives is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make. Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and dual-flush toilets reduce the volume of water flowing through your plumbing without noticeably affecting performance.
| Fixture Upgrade | Cost | Water Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet aerator | $2 - $10 | 30% - 50% less water per faucet |
| Low-flow showerhead | $10 - $50 | 25% - 60% less water per shower |
| Dual-flush toilet | $100 - $300 | 20% - 50% less water per flush |
| Dual-flush toilet conversion kit | $15 - $40 | 20% - 40% less water per flush |
Faucet aerators
Aerators screw onto the tip of your faucets and mix air into the water stream. This increases pressure while reducing actual water flow. You can easily cut consumption by 10 to 20 gallons per day across your household, and they cost just a few dollars each.
Low-flow showerheads
Standard showerheads use about 2.5 gallons per minute. A WaterSense-labeled low-flow showerhead uses 2.0 gallons per minute or less. Over the course of a year, a family of four can save thousands of gallons just by making this one switch.
Toilets
Toilets account for nearly 30% of indoor water use. Older models use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, while modern low-flow toilets use 1.28 gallons or less. If replacing your toilet is not in the budget, a dual-flush conversion kit lets you choose a partial flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste.
Change your bathroom habits
The bathroom is where most household water is used. Showers, baths, toilet flushes, and sink usage make up roughly 50% to 60% of total indoor consumption. A few habit changes can produce significant savings.
| Habit Change | Water Saved per Occurrence |
|---|---|
| Shorten shower by 2 minutes | 4 - 6 gallons |
| Turn off water while lathering | 2 - 5 gallons |
| Turn off faucet while brushing teeth | 2 - 4 gallons |
| Turn off faucet while shaving | 2 - 5 gallons |
| Skip one unnecessary flush per day | 2 - 7 gallons |
Take shorter showers
Every minute you cut from your shower saves about 2 to 3 gallons of water. If a family of four each trims just two minutes, that saves roughly 16 to 24 gallons per day, or 5,800 to 8,760 gallons per year.
Turn the shower off while you lather up with shampoo and soap. You do not need water running during those moments, and it should not take so long that the water goes cold when you turn it back on.
Stop running the faucet unnecessarily
Do not run the sink while brushing your teeth or shaving. Fill a small cup for rinsing your mouth and a container for dipping your razor. Sink faucets flow at roughly 2 gallons per minute, so even two minutes of unnecessary running adds up quickly over weeks and months.
Reduce toilet flushes
Most toilets use 2 to 7 gallons per flush depending on their age. If every person in a four-person household skips just one flush per day, that reduces annual water usage by 2,900 to 10,200 gallons. Follow the "if it's yellow, let it mellow" rule when practical.
Use your kitchen water wisely
The kitchen is the second-largest source of indoor water use. Dishwashing, cooking, drinking water, and garbage disposals all add to your monthly bill. Small adjustments here create consistent savings.
| Kitchen Tip | How It Saves Water |
|---|---|
| Use the dishwasher instead of hand-washing | Uses ~6 gallons per cycle vs. ~2 gallons per minute by hand |
| Run dishwasher only when full | Eliminates partial-load waste |
| Scrape dishes instead of pre-rinsing | Saves 2 - 5 gallons per load |
| Keep cold water in the fridge | Eliminates tap-running while waiting for cold water |
| Skip the garbage disposal | Avoids 2 - 4 gallons of running water per use |
Use the dishwasher strategically
Most dishwashers use about 6 gallons for a full cycle. Hand-washing with a running faucet uses roughly 2 gallons per minute. If you spend more than three minutes washing by hand, you are already using more water than the machine would. Always wait until the dishwasher is full before running it, since it uses the same amount of water regardless of how many dishes are inside.
When loading the dishwasher, scrape food off plates instead of pre-rinsing them under running water. If something needs extra cleaning, fill a small bowl with water and dunk the dish briefly.
Skip the garbage disposal
Garbage disposals require a steady stream of running water to operate properly. Throw food scraps in the trash or start a compost bin instead. You will save several gallons each time you would have otherwise run the disposal.
Keep cold water in the fridge
Store a pitcher of water in the refrigerator so you always have cold water ready. This eliminates the habit of letting the tap run for 30 seconds to a minute while waiting for it to cool down. Over time, those wasted minutes add up to hundreds of gallons per year.
Similarly, heat water in the microwave or on the stove for tea and cooking rather than running the tap and waiting for hot water to arrive from the water heater.
Optimize your laundry routine
Washing machines are one of the biggest water-consuming appliances in the home, using 15 to 45 gallons per load depending on the model and settings. Older top-loading machines are the least efficient, while newer front-loading or high-efficiency (HE) models use significantly less water.
| Washing Machine Type | Water Used per Load |
|---|---|
| Older top-loader | 30 - 45 gallons |
| Newer top-loader (HE) | 15 - 25 gallons |
| Front-loader (HE) | 12 - 17 gallons |
Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine. If you must wash a smaller load, adjust the water level setting to match the load size. Many machines have a small, medium, and large setting; selecting the appropriate one prevents the machine from filling with more water than necessary.
If your washing machine is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading to an Energy Star-certified model. These machines use roughly 33% less water and 25% less energy than standard models, which means savings on both your water and electric bills.
Reduce outdoor water use
Outdoor water use accounts for 30% or more of total household consumption, especially during warmer months. Lawn watering, garden irrigation, car washing, and hosing down driveways and sidewalks are the primary culprits. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to cut back.
| Outdoor Strategy | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|
| Water lawn in early morning or evening | Reduces evaporation by 25% - 50% |
| Use a broom instead of a hose for driveways | 5 - 10 gallons per session |
| Install drip irrigation | 30% - 50% less water than sprinklers |
| Plant drought-tolerant landscaping | 50% - 75% less irrigation needed |
| Use a rain barrel | Collects 50 - 80 gallons per rainstorm |
| Mulch garden beds | Reduces watering needs by 25% - 50% |
Water your lawn smarter
Water your lawn in the early morning (before 10 a.m.) or in the evening to minimize evaporation. Avoid watering on windy days. Most lawns need only about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Place a small container on your lawn while the sprinkler runs to gauge how much water is being applied.
Consider replacing portions of your lawn with drought-tolerant plants, native grasses, or ground cover. These require far less irrigation and can dramatically cut outdoor water use.
Sweep instead of hosing
Sweep your porch, deck, walkway, driveway, and sidewalk instead of hosing them off. A garden hose uses about 2 gallons per minute, so a 10-minute cleaning session wastes 20 gallons. A broom does the same job for free.
Collect rainwater
Install a rain barrel under your downspout to capture rainwater for garden irrigation. A single rainstorm can fill a 50- to 80-gallon barrel, providing free water for plants and flower beds. Check local regulations, as some areas have restrictions on rainwater harvesting.
Upgrade to water-efficient appliances
If your appliances and fixtures are outdated, upgrading to water-efficient models can provide long-term savings that justify the upfront cost. Look for the EPA's WaterSense label on fixtures and the Energy Star label on appliances.
| Appliance or Fixture | Upgrade Cost | Annual Water Savings |
|---|---|---|
| WaterSense toilet | $100 - $300 | 4,000 - 13,000 gallons |
| Energy Star washing machine | $500 - $1,200 | 2,000 - 5,000 gallons |
| Energy Star dishwasher | $400 - $900 | 1,000 - 3,000 gallons |
| WaterSense showerhead | $10 - $50 | 2,700 - 5,000 gallons |
| Smart irrigation controller | $50 - $250 | 7,000 - 15,000 gallons |
A WaterSense-labeled toilet can save a family of four more than 13,000 gallons per year compared to an older model. An Energy Star washing machine uses about 33% less water per load. These upgrades typically pay for themselves within one to three years through lower utility bills.
Check for rebates: Many local water utilities and municipalities offer rebates or incentives for purchasing water-efficient appliances and fixtures. Check with your local utility provider before buying. Rebates of $50 to $200 are common for toilets, washing machines, and smart irrigation controllers.
Check your water meter for hidden leaks
Your water meter is a powerful diagnostic tool. If you suspect a hidden leak but cannot find one, perform a simple meter test. Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home, then check the meter reading. Wait two hours without using any water, then check the meter again.
If the reading has changed, you have a leak somewhere in your system. Common hidden leak locations include underground supply lines, toilet flappers, water heater connections, and irrigation systems. A plumber can perform a leak detection test, which typically costs $100 to $400, but can save you far more in wasted water costs.
| Leak Detection Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| DIY meter test | Free |
| Food coloring toilet test | Free |
| Professional leak detection | $100 - $400 |
| Smart water monitor (e.g., Flume, Flo) | $150 - $500 |
Consider a smart water monitor
Smart water monitors attach to your water meter or main supply line and track real-time water usage through a smartphone app. They can detect leaks as small as a drip and send alerts before a small problem becomes an expensive one.
Popular options like Flume and Flo by Moen cost $150 to $500 and can automatically shut off your water supply if a major leak is detected. These devices also provide usage analytics, helping you identify which habits and appliances consume the most water so you can make targeted changes.
Look into billing assistance programs
If you are on a fixed or limited income, many water utilities offer assistance programs that can lower your bill directly. These programs vary by location but may include discounted rates, bill forgiveness, or payment plans.
| Program Type | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|
| Low-income rate discount | 10% - 35% off monthly bill |
| Senior/disabled discount | 10% - 25% off monthly bill |
| Leak adjustment credit | Partial refund for leak-related spikes |
| Budget billing | Averaged monthly payments for predictability |
Contact your local water utility to ask about available programs. Many also offer free water conservation kits that include aerators, low-flow showerheads, and toilet leak detection tablets.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my water bill so high?
The most common causes of an unusually high water bill are hidden leaks, running toilets, increased outdoor watering, and changes in household size or habits. A single running toilet can add $50 to $200 or more to a monthly bill. Check your water meter for leaks and review your usage patterns if you notice a sudden increase.
How much water does the average household use per day?
The average American household uses about 300 gallons of water per day. Roughly 70% of that is used indoors, with toilets, showers, and faucets being the top consumers. Outdoor use, primarily lawn irrigation, accounts for the remaining 30%.
What uses the most water in a house?
Toilets are the single largest water consumer indoors, accounting for nearly 30% of household water use. Showers and baths come in second at about 20%, followed by faucets at 19% and washing machines at roughly 17%.
Do low-flow showerheads really save money?
Yes. A low-flow showerhead can save a household 2,700 to 5,000 gallons per year, which translates to roughly $50 to $100 in annual water and water heating savings. Since they cost as little as $10 to $50, they typically pay for themselves within a few months.
Is it cheaper to take a bath or a shower?
A standard bathtub holds 36 to 50 gallons of water. A 10-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead uses about 20 gallons. Shorter showers with efficient fixtures are almost always cheaper than baths. However, a long shower with an older, high-flow showerhead can use just as much water as a bath.