The average American generally uses about four times as much water during late July and August, the “Dog Days of Summer,” as he or she does the rest of the year. Reasons for this range from watering the lawn to taking more frequent showers to stay cool.
Water is one of the few commodities we just can’t live without, but often take for granted. According to the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, this sampling of tips can help you reduce your water usage without sacrifice, significantly reduce your water bill, and help protect this critical natural resource.
- Make sure your home is leak-free and water-efficient
- Check all faucets to make sure they do not leak or drip — leaky faucets, pipes or toilets can waste significant amounts of water and money
- Check toilets for leaks on a regular basis
- Install a new toilet, or place a “toilet dam” in the tank
- Most toilets manufactured before 1994 use thousands of gallons more per year than newer models
- A toilet dam can save hundreds of gallons each year.
- Replace old shower heads – new, water-efficient shower heads can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without losing water pressure
- Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded
- If you wash dishes by hand, fill the basin with soapy water and quickly rinse the dishes under a slowly moving stream from the faucet
- Insulate your water heater and maintain it regularly
- Insulate your hot water pipes – if the water stays warm while in the pipes, you won’t have to run as much water to get it to temperature
- Water lawns in the early morning or after dark to minimize evaporation
- Water only when necessary
- Adjust sprinklers to only water the lawn and not the building, sidewalk or street
- Raise your lawn mower blade to the highest setting, especially during dry weather – closely cutting the grass makes roots work harder, requiring more water
- Check outdoor faucets and hose bibs to make sure there are no leaks and that water flows freely
- When washing the car, use soap and water from a bucket. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final rinse
Visit IN.gov for the complete list of Tips to Reduce Your Water Bill. (opens in new window)
Call 3C Plumbing , (317) 850-5114, if you need water leaks repaired, want to replace an old toilet or shower head, or have your water heater and/or pipes insulated to reduce water usage and lower your water bill.
