Water can cost a lot of money. This article will tell you how you can save money on your water bills, and why you should. Access to clean water is a basic human right, but that’s not to say that it isn’t an expensive one.
Install a Water Filter
Because of potential contaminants in the public water supply, many people buy bottled water. However, domestic, commercial and industrial water treatment filters can be a great alternative to buying bottled water. Every single year, Americans spend at least $4 billion dollars on bottled water. By installing a filter in your home, office, or place of work, and drinking filtered tap water instead of bottled water, you can save yourself over $2,500 a year.
Boiling Excess Water
A lot of people have a very bad habit of boiling more water than they actually need when they are making coffee, tea, or hot drinks. Overfilling your kettle or pot can lead to a lot of wasted water. It can also cost you a lot on electricity bills if you use an electric kettle. Use only what you need.
Washing Machine
Another way that people waste a lot of water and cost themselves a lot of money is by using their washing machine for odd bits of clothing. You should only use your machine when it is full. If you have very few lights, and a lot of darks, you can mix them below 30°C. If you have bright colors that you can’t mix with lights, then you should handwash them.
Dishwasher
When you are washing up by hand, it’s easy to let the tap run and rinse everything as you go along. This can cost you a lot of money. Instead, you should use your dishwasher, but only when it is full. You should never use your dishwasher, like your washing machine, when it is half empty. You can save yourself a lot of money by using a dishwasher.
Refrigerate Water
It’s quite common for people to let their taps run when they go to get a drink. This is to make the water cold. Instead, you should fill a glass or bottle up, and then put it in the refrigerator. You use a lot of water over the course of a year if you do this every single time that you go for a drink. A jug of water is also an option that you might want to consider.
Showering and Baths
If you are trying to cut back on your water bill, you might want to stop having baths. You will also want to reduce the amount of time that you have in the shower. If you stand in the shower for a long time, then you can use a lot of water. Your showers should be no more than five minutes. If you exceed that, you will use up a lot of water. As a rule of thumb, a 15-minute shower will use the same amount of water as a bath.
Leaky Faucets
Leaky faucets can cost you a lot of money over time. They are the number one cause of household water waste, and very easy to fix, even though many people just ignore them. If you notice any leaky faucets in your home, deal with them immediately so that you can save yourself money!
Be Careful What You Flush
When you use your toilet as a bin, you waste a lot of water. Flushing things that need to be binned can also be detrimental to the environment. Your toilet will use up more water if you try to flush things that are not designed to be flushed.
Brushing Your Teeth
When you are brushing your teeth, a good way to save money on your water bill is to turn off the tap in between brushing and rinsing your toothbrush. You don’t need water running when you are actually brushing – it’s just a habit that a lot of us have! Turn off the tap and instruct everybody in your household not to waste water when they are brushing their teeth.
Water-Savers
Many water companies actually offer you accessories that can save you water for free. For example, they can give you accessories for your taps and showerheads that distribute the water more effectively and make your showers more efficient. You can also have timers installed that will help you to ensure that you do not exceed your fixed showering limits.
Dual Flush
You can install a dual flush setting on your toilet, or alternatively buy one that already has one. The average toilet will use over 12 liters of water per flush. When you use dual flush settings, you can choose how much water you use, and reduce your wastewater. If you cannot do this, then you should only flush when absolutely necessary.
Compare Energy Companies
You might also want to consider shifting energy companies. Some companies charge a lot more for water than others do. With that said, you might be stuck with a local water supplier. If this is the case, then contact them and ask if there are any plans you can get on that would reduce your water usage. Comparing energy companies is a great way for you to see if you can make any savings. You might also be able to make savings on your electricity and your gas bill.
Naturally Occurring Water
If you live in an area with naturally occurring mountain streams, then you may be able to avoid paying for your water altogether. Taking water from mountain streams is a common practice in some parts of the world. While it will take a lot of time for you to go and collect your water, it will also give you access to clean, safe drinking and bathing water. You may have to heat it up, however, which might cost you a lot of money in terms of electricity or gas bills.
Saving money on your water bill is a great way to free up money for other areas of your life that might need it. All of the tips suggested here can be used quite effectively to save yourself money. Good luck!