Genius House Hacks · a GopherCentral & PulseTV publication
Home Energy & Savings · February 02, 2025 edition

12 Simple Ways to Slash Your Water Bill and Conserve Resources

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

Genius House Hacks

Reducing your water bill is not only good for your wallet but also beneficial for the environment. There are many simple ways to cut down on water usage in your home without sacrificing comfort. Here are some handy hints to help you lower your water consumption and save money.

1. Fix Leaks Promptly

A leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Regularly check your plumbing fixtures and repair any leaks immediately to avoid unnecessary water loss.

2. Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and dual-flush toilets use less water without compromising on performance, cutting water usage by up to 50% for substantial savings on your bill.

3. Take Shorter Showers

Long showers can use as much as 5 gallons per minute. Reducing your shower time by just a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons per month — consider using a timer to limit showers to 5 minutes.

4. Turn Off the Tap While Brushing or Washing Dishes

Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or scrubbing dishes can save up to 5 gallons per day, which adds up to 1,800 gallons per year.

5. Wash Full Loads of Laundry and Dishes

Only run your washing machine and dishwasher when fully loaded to maximize water efficiency — use the half-load setting if your appliances have one and you can't fill them completely.

6. Water Your Lawn Early or Late

Watering during the heat of the day causes water to evaporate quickly. Water in the early morning or late evening instead, or install a smart irrigation system that adjusts schedules based on weather conditions.

7. Use a Broom Instead of a Hose

When cleaning driveways, sidewalks, or patios, use a broom instead of a hose — a hose can use as much as 5 gallons of water per minute, while sweeping requires none.

8. Collect Rainwater

Installing a rain barrel is an excellent way to collect free, natural water for your garden or lawn, significantly reducing your water bill during rainy months.

9-12: Landscaping, Pools, Monitoring, and Family Habits

Consider xeriscaping with drought-tolerant plants to reduce both water use and maintenance. If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation and cut down on refilling. Install a water meter or monitor to track usage and identify high-usage areas. And encourage the whole family to adopt water-saving habits — the more everyone is aware, the greater the overall reduction in your bill.

By adopting these simple habits and making small changes around your home, you can reduce your water usage, lower your water bill, and help conserve this precious resource.

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This edition is part of the Genius House Hacks archive: 20+ years of tips, rebuilt from the original Handy Hints newsletter. Browse more hacks →