5 Ways to Lower Your Water Bill During a Drought

Are you living in a state like California, Arizona or Nevada? If so you’ve probably experienced a drought season. One of the impacts of a drought is that your water bill is crazy high. Here are a few helpful tips on how you can save money and lower your water bill. Even if you’re not experiencing a drought, these tips will not only help you save money but also be more responsible for the environment.

1. Water your lawn or garden by hand (with a hose) instead of your sprinklers. It’s the truth, 90% of your water bill is due to irrigation. By watering your lawn by hand you’ll avoid leaky sprinklers and you’ll also be sure to directly water the grass and plants instead of the driveway or other places that are unintended.
2. Water at night or the early morning. By watering during these times, you’ll maximize the soak into the ground. Also, when it’s hot out and you water mid-day, a lot of the water will evaporate and be wasted. You’ll want to make sure you avoid that!
3. Water for fewer days, but a long soak! Rather than watering your lawn and garden everyday, do it 3 times a week instead but for longer periods. You’ll want to make sure that  you can soak the water at least 1 inch into the soil to give roots and your plants a chance to thrive. Your lawn and plants will also love you for it.
4. Shower rather than taking a bath. Everybody loves to stay clean, but if you can opt to take a shower that will save you water. Better yet, if you can change the shower head to a lower water and higher efficiency stream that will save you gallons of water. Also, be sure to set your timer so that you know how long you are cleaning! Being on a schedule will save you time, water, and money!
5. Another amazing way to save money is potentially investing in a greywater system. A greywater system allows you to recycle your house water such as sink water, washing machine water, etc. It does not include sewage! Greywater systems will often involve a switch that shifts your drainage to a water tank/reservoir that is often filtered and then directly pumped out into your lawn and garden. Rather than throwing away all of that useful water, you can send it directly to feed your lawn! You’ll not only save money on irrigation, but it could potentially save you money on your sewage bill!

Not all of these tips are right for everyone, but small changes and being aware can keep you from overspending on water and also helping the environment.