Paying high water bills can be stressful, but you don’t have to just accept it. With a few smart habits and small upgrades, you can save money and still live your best life.
This guide breaks down practical ways to reduce your water usage and keep your bills under control.
Fix Dripping Taps Right Away
A single dripping tap wastes up to 20 gallons daily, enough for a small tub. Tighten the handle yourself or call a plumber; it takes under 10 minutes. Grab dye tablets from a hardware store for leak detection tips. Checked your faucets today?
Install Low-Flow Showerheads
Your standard showerhead gushes 5 gallons per minute, but low-flow ones cut it to 2 while keeping strong pressure.
Expect to save over 2,700 gallons a year as a family, dropping costs by about $70. Make the switch next time you’re tightening the budget and your morning shower will still feel just as fresh.
Shorten Your Showers
You love that steamy start, but every extra minute literally washes away 2 to 3 gallons of water. Keep your showers in the 5 to 10 minute zone and throw on a short playlist to keep you on track. Most people cut their water use by around 20% just by dialing it back a bit.
Turn Off the Tap While Brushing Teeth
Running water twice a day wastes 8 gallons. Wet your brush, shut it off, and rinse with a cup. For shaving, use a bowl instead. Households save nearly 5,700 gallons yearly.
Reuse Dehumidifier Water for Plants
Your dehumidifier pulls clean, distilled water from the air. It collects up to several gallons a day in humid conditions. Empty the tank and use it straight to water non-edible plants like ornamentals or garden flowers. Skip edibles to avoid any potential contaminants.
It’s free, chemical-free hydration that keeps your greenery thriving without spiking your meter. Position a collection bucket under the drain hose for hands-off saving. Indoor plants love the pure stuff.
Upgrade to Water-Efficient Toilets
Old toilets flush 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush; dual-flush or low-flow models use 1.6 or less. Yours pays back in a year via lower water bills . Until you’re ready to replace it, place a filled water bottle or tank bag in the toilet tank to cut down on water per flush.
Use Your Dishwasher Full
Hand-washing under the stream burns 10 gallons in 5 minutes; a full dishwasher takes 6. Scrape plates, skip pre-rinse. Waiting until it’s full before running it helps you get the most out of every drop and keeps your water bill in check.
Run Full Loads in the Washing Machine
Front-loading high-efficiency washers use way less than top-loaders. Tweak for small loads, but full ones win big.
Try mixing lights and darks on a 30‑degree cycle if your detergent works for both, but make sure your darker clothes aren’t the type to bleed and ruin the vibe.
Check for Hidden Leaks Often
Silent toilet runs waste 200 gallons daily. Drop food coloring in the tank; color in the bowl means fix the flapper. Peek under sinks too for hidden leaks. If things still seem off, call a pro for a quick home water audit before those surprises hit your wallet.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Cold pipes waste water as you wait for heat. Slap on cheap foam sleeves from your local hardware store. Insulating hot water pipes works by trapping heat inside the pipes so the water stays hot longer as it travels from your heater to the faucet.
Store Cold Water in the Fridge
Skip running the tap for cold drinks; it wastes way more than you think. Keep a pitcher chilling in the fridge, it stays fresh for days. Super simple way to cut daily waste.
Sweep Instead of Hose Outdoors
Hosing driveways blasts out around 1,000 liters an hour. Grab a broom for porches and paths instead; it’s quick and keeps your plants happy. You’ll see a massive drop in outdoor water use right away.
Plant Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Ditch thirsty grass for native, low-water plants. Xeriscaping halves irrigation needs. Group any water-hungry plants together and away from the rest. Hit up your local extension service for yard ideas that actually fit your spot.
Set A Smart Irrigation System
Smart irrigation timers adjust for rain and weather, saving up to 30% on outdoor water. Control everything from your phone app. Pair it with soaker hoses for deep root watering at dawn when it’s coolest.
Collect Rainwater for Plants
Rain barrels snag roof runoff, turning free water into garden gold. Position one under your downspout to capture what falls during storms; it fills up fast on rainy days. Water everything outside this way, keeping your plants lush without touching your meter.
Reuse Rice Rinse Water on Plants
Reuse rice rinse water on plants if you cook Asian style. That cloudy water from washing rice packs nutrients like starch and minerals that greens love. Pour it straight onto soil around veggies or flowers once cooled; they grow stronger with zero extra cost.
Catch AC Drips Outside
Your outdoor AC unit sweats clean water as it cools. Don’t let it go to waste. Position a bucket or tray under the drip line to collect those steady drops. Use it to water houseplants, garden beds, or even top off your toilet tank. Super simple setup that saves gallons without touching your meter.
Saw this genius video a couple years back where a creator showed how to collect free water from your AC unit.
Reuse Greywater Smartly
Filter shower or sink water for lawns. Always check local rules first to stay compliant. It’s a free way to boost sustainable water use without extra costs.
Do a Home Water Audit
Track with meter reads or apps. Spot spikes for leaks. Utilities offer free kits. You’ll uncover missed waste.
Shower at the Gym
Got a gym pass? Rinse off after workouts there instead of at home. This cuts your water use in half. Your gym likely has showers ready for next time.
Wrapping It Up
Saving on your water bill is honestly easier than it looks. You do not need huge upgrades or a full lifestyle overhaul. Small, consistent habits can create real change. Fix leaks when you spot them, switch to efficient fixtures, reuse water when it is safe to do so, and be a bit more mindful during everyday routines.
Try a few tips that feel doable for you and keep building from there. Over time, you will notice your bill going down and your habits getting more sustainable without even thinking about it.
Ready to tackle your electricity bill next? Check out these tips to reduce electricity bills.