Ways to Reduce Water Usage

Save Money on Your Water Bill

Apr 18, 2009 Asa Ghaffar

The installation of a water meter encourages families to reduce water usage and save money. Find out how a few simple lifestyle changes can reduce a water bill.

Minimising water usage is not only good for the environment; it also helps families to save money and cut household bills. The installation of a water meter provides an incentive for behavioural change as reducing usage leads directly to a lower water bill. There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made to lower consumption.

Excessive Water Usage Could Mean Higher Household Bills

Unmetered usage doesn't financially affect families as directly as all consumers pay the same rate. However, switching to a water meter can genuinely help people to save money. According to MoneySavingExpert.com: "The average unmetered bill is £362, while the average metered bill is £309." A lower water bill leaves additional money for other household bills, such as food, gas and electricity.

Reducing Water Usage Benefits the Environment

According to South Staffordshire Water, consumers now use double the amount of water they did in the 1950's. This exponential growth in water usage isn't indefinitely sustainable. A lower water bill means that a consumer is helping the environment as net consumption has been reduced. The installation of a water meter provides families with the incentive that they need.

Ways to Reduce Water Usage

  • Install a water meter to increase awareness of water usage.
  • Energy Saving Trust advises families to install efficient dual flush toilets or to put a brick in the cistern to flush less water away.
  • Take a shower as water usage is far lower than when taking a bath.
  • Water the garden less and never use a sprinkler system without a timer. uSwitch.com estimates that the cost of watering the garden is £1.03.
  • Collect rain in a barrel and use this to water the garden.
  • Water plants in the evening and not during the hottest part of the day so that the water has time to absorb properly.
  • Don't boil a full kettle to make a single cup of tea or coffee.
  • Never leave the tap running whilst brushing teeth. 10 litres of water a minute will be lost.
  • Wait until there is a full load before using the washing machine or dish washer.
  • Don't clean the car with a hose pipe, use a bucket and sponge instead.
  • Repair any dripping taps to prevent unintentional water usage.

Families that are concerned by their escalating levels of water usage should seriously consider getting a water meter installed. The prospect of saving money will encourage individuals to take a shower instead of a bath. Lower household bills are possible for those prepared to change their lifestyle.

Readers that found this article useful may also be interest in discovering ways to reduce credit card debt, write-off unenforceable loan agreements and make extra cash.

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Water Usage, U.S. Government Water Usage