Written by Bernie Carr
I have been noticing my water bill has kept increasing in the last few months, but I have not had any changes in my usage. It’s the rate that has increased.
Water bills are increasing across the country
It seems we are not alone. Water bills have been steadily increasing across the country.
There are several reasons why water bills are increasing across the US. One of the biggest reasons is weather. There is a need to store more water for longer droughts and a need to accelerate fire mitigation. Other reasons include aging infrastructure: the cost of replacing parts and maintaining equipment get passed along to the consumer.
Tips on how to lower your water bill
Conserving water not only helps the environment but also reduces your water bill. Here are some tips to conserve water and lower your water bill:
- Fix leaks: Regularly check for and repair any leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time.
- Install water-efficient fixtures: Replace old, inefficient toilets, shower heads, and faucets with low-flow or water-saving models. These fixtures reduce water usage without compromising functionality.
- Take shorter showers: Reduce shower time by a few minutes. Consider using a shower timer or taking “navy showers” where you turn off the water while lathering or shampooing.
- Don’t let water run unnecessarily: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. Use a basin to rinse vegetables instead of running water.
- Collect and reuse water: Collect rainwater in barrels or containers to use for watering plants, cleaning, or other non-potable purposes. Consider installing a rainwater harvesting system if regulations allow. I collect the water I washed fruits and vegetables in a basin and use it to water my plants.
- Opt for efficient laundry practices: Use full loads when running your washing machine or dishwasher. If you need to wash a small load, adjust the water level accordingly. Choose efficient washing machine settings such as “eco” or “water-saving” modes.
- Mulch and water plants wisely: Apply mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and retain soil moisture. Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water loss due to evaporation.
- Adjust irrigation practices: Water your lawn and garden efficiently by adjusting sprinklers or using drip irrigation systems. Avoid watering on windy days to prevent water wastage.
- Use a broom instead of a hose: When cleaning outdoor areas like patios or driveways, use a broom instead of a hose. This saves a significant amount of water.
- Get the family involved: Raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and involve your family in adopting water-saving practices. Encourage everyone to be mindful of their water usage habits.
- Check your water bill and monitor usage: Regularly review your water bill to track your consumption. Monitor any unexpected spikes in usage that may indicate leaks or inefficient practices.
- Consider xeriscaping: If appropriate for your region, design your landscaping with drought-tolerant plants that require less water. Xeriscaping can significantly reduce outdoor water usage.
- Use up the water when you replace your water storage: If you have stored water in the car or your home that you want to replace, use that water for washing dishes, cleaning, or watering plants instead of dumping it out.
By implementing these water-saving tips and making them part of your daily routine, you can conserve water and lower your water bill.
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About the author
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Bernie’s latest e-book, FRUGAL DIY has just been released on Amazon. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
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