The struggle is real when it comes to spending money, and sometimes saving it can be a bigger challenge than we anticipate. Wherever your cash goes; house, car, kids’ education fund, it goes fast, and we can be left at the end of the month scratching our heads at where it all went.
The good news? Paying your water bill doesn't have to break the bank, and using these quick tips will help alleviate some of that money stress.
Use Greywater to Water Your Plants
Wasted water is not just bad for the environment; it takes a toll on the wallet as well. Reusing your wastewater (Greywater) can be a very useful way to save money.
Greywater is gently used water, which typically comes from the sink, bathtub or washing machine.
It can be collected by using a bucket to trap or scoop the water after use and then distributed to your household plants. Greywater can make up over half your water bill, and using this eco- friendly method will help keep money in your bank account.
Use Less Water by Taking a Shower Instead of a Bath
Ever wonder what uses more water: a bath or shower? The answer is that baths require much more water consumption than showers.
Here's a quick breakdown:
How many gallons of water do baths use?
Although the capacity of a standard bathtub is 42 gallons, people typically only use about 30 gallons since they need enough room to get in without spilling water over the side.
How many gallons of water do showers use?
Low-flow showerheads consume about two gallons a minute, which equals 20 gallons for a 10-minute shower. A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons a minute, which equals 25 gallons for 10 minutes.
In either case, you’d use about 5 to 10 less gallons of water by taking a shower instead of a bath. Sure, the idea of sitting in a lavender scented Epsom salt bath is nice, but so is the sound of change in your pocket. So, if you really want more bang for your buck, install a water saving shower head and reduce your 25-gallon shower to 20 gallons.
Take Your Car to a Carwash
It’s a sunny Sunday afternoon in Brenham, TX, meaning it's time to wash that beautiful car of yours! But before you head out to the garage to fill your bucket, you might want to consider visiting your local car wash instead.
Taking your car to a car wash is not only more efficient, but it is also much less costly, and will save you some extra coin on your water bill. Residential car washes use almost five times more water than a professional car wash.
Approximately 100 gallons of water is used on average in home washes, compared to a measly 15 gallons at a local car wash. Not to mention most car wash companies recycle their water, taking much less of a toll on the environment. Save your cash and the world by taking your car to a car wash.
Check Your Home for Leaks
How great is it to know that saving a little extra money on your water bill is completely in your control? Household leaks are very common, and if you’re checking often enough, you can save yourself a lot of money and hassle.
Always listen for running toilets, and check faucets and visible pipes for surface water. Leaks here can add up over time, so it's important to be aware. If you have checked your pipes and faucets more than Santa checks his naughty list and your bill is still high, there may be a hidden issue.
Turn off all water inside and outside the home for 15 minutes. Check the meter before and after the 15 minutes is up, and make sure no one is using any water. If the meter reading has gone up, you have a leak you’re missing! Time to get searching. Or, worst case; hire a plumber, someone to take a look. It will be worth it in the end.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. If you really want to stop struggling with your water bill, start applying these tips and tricks today.