What’s the deal with your water bill? A guide to understanding your water usage and bill

 

Water is an essential resource that we use every day in our homes, but have you ever stopped to think about how much water you’re using and how much it’s costing you? Understanding your water bill can be confusing, but it’s important to know what you’re paying for and how you can reduce your usage to save money and help conserve this precious resource. In this article, we’ll break down the basics of your water bill and provide tips for lowering your usage and bill.

What’s included in your water bill?

Your water bill includes charges for both water usage and wastewater treatment. The water usage charge is based on the amount of water you use, and the wastewater charge is based on the amount of water that goes down the drain. Depending on where you live, your water bill may also include a fixed fee, which is a set amount you pay each month regardless of how much water you use.

Understanding your water usage

To understand your water bill, it’s important to know how much water you’re using. Your water usage is measured in units of 100 cubic feet (ccf). One ccf is equivalent to 748 gallons of water, so if your usage is listed as 10 ccf, you’ve used 7,480 gallons of water. Your water usage is usually measured by a meter located outside your home, which tracks the amount of water that flows into your house.

Tips for reducing your water usage

Reducing your water usage not only helps conserve water, but it can also save you money on your water bill. Here are some simple tips for lowering your usage:

Fix leaks: A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Make sure to fix any leaks as soon as you notice them.

Use a low-flow showerhead: Showering accounts for a large portion of indoor water usage. Installing a low-flow showerhead can save you up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute.

Install a toilet dam or low-flow toilet: Toilets are the biggest water users in most homes. Installing a toilet dam or a low-flow toilet can save you up to 10 gallons of water per day.

Water your lawn wisely: Lawns can use a lot of water, especially during hot summer months. Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation, and make sure to only water when necessary.

Wash clothes in cold water: Washing clothes in cold water can save you up to 40 gallons of water per load.

By implementing these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your water usage and save money on your water bill.

Understanding your wastewater charge

Your wastewater charge is based on the amount of water that goes down the drain. This includes water from showers, toilets, sinks, and other sources. Even if you use water that doesn’t go down the drain, such as watering your lawn or washing your car, you’ll still be charged a wastewater fee based on the total amount of water you use.

Tips for reducing your wastewater charge

Reducing your wastewater charge is all about reducing the amount of water that goes down the drain. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Fix leaks: Just like with your water usage, fixing leaks can help reduce your wastewater charge.

Install water-efficient fixtures: Water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and showerheads, can help reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain.

Don’t pour grease down the drain: Grease can clog pipes and cause problems for wastewater treatment facilities. Instead, pour grease into a container and dispose of it in the trash.

Use your dishwasher: Handwashing dishes uses more water than using a dishwasher. Make sure to only run the dishwasher when it’s full, and use the “energy saver” or “short wash” cycle if possible.

Don’t use your toilet as a trash can: Flushing items like facial tissues, dental floss, and feminine hygiene products down the toilet can cause blockages and increase your wastewater charge.

By following these tips, you can reduce the amount of water that goes down the drain and lower your wastewater charge.

Understanding your fixed fee

Depending on where you live, your water bill may include a fixed fee, which is a set amount you pay each month regardless of how much water you use. This fee is used to cover the cost of maintaining the water system, including pipes, pumps, and treatment facilities.

Tips for reducing your fixed fee

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to reduce your fixed fee. However, you can try to make up for it by reducing your water usage and wastewater charge. By using less water, you’ll pay less for both your water usage and wastewater charge, which can help offset the cost of your fixed fee.

Understanding your water bill can be a daunting task, but it’s an important one if you want to save money and conserve water. By implementing the tips outlined in this article, you can reduce your water usage, lower your wastewater charge, and make a positive impact on the environment.

In conclusion, water is a precious resource that we all need to use wisely. By understanding your water bill and taking steps to reduce your usage, you can help conserve water and save money at the same time. So, the next time you receive your water bill, take a closer look and see how you can make a difference.