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Hot temperatures blanket much of the country, making a cool shower tempting. But beware of water bills.
Average water and sewerage bills (often combined) have increased by about 50% over the past decade and are expected to continue rising, according to consultancy Bluefield Research. Rates vary, but the national average monthly water bill was about $49 last year, up from $32 in 2012. (These figures are based on average monthly household water use in the 50 largest U.S. cities.)
Bluefield analyst Charlie Suse said inflation contributed to the increase, along with supply chain disruptions and the cost of replacing old pipes and equipment. Some cities, which delayed raising interest rates during the pandemic, are now catching up. A prolonged drought in the west won’t help. Cities like Phoenix, facing water stress, are raising water rates to cover costs and encourage water conservation.
“Given the continued impact of climate change on water infrastructure, we expect dry conditions to continue to impact water rates in many cities,” Suss said in an email.
Even if home prices in your neighborhood aren’t skyrocketing, they might be in the future. Many water districts serve growing populations, resulting in higher treatment and distribution costs. Some water districts have had to replace post-World War II systems, said Veronica Blette, director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, which helps consumers and businesses find ways to use less water.
“Interest rates are going to go up,” Ms Bright said. “this is the truth.”
Where does this leave consumers?
Reducing water usage can help. According to WaterSense, the average American uses 82 gallons of water per day at home.
Traditional advice often focuses on behaviors, such as taking shorter showers or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth. (The latter saves eight gallons a day, according to the EPA.)
That helps, but households can reduce their water use by at least 20 percent by installing water-saving fixtures and appliances, the EPA says. Bathrooms are a good place to start, as they can account for more than half of the water used in a home’s interior. Consumers can update products like low-flow shower heads and toilets. The newest toilets use just over a gallon of water per flush, or even less, compared to the several gallons of older models.
In general, if your toilet is more than 10 years old, replacing it will likely save water (and money), says Mary HJ Farrell, senior editor at Consumer Reports.
This doesn’t mean you have to replace all water fixtures or appliances right away. “Do it when there’s a problem,” advises Ms. Farrell. (Some water utilities may offer discounts or rebates if you upgrade.)
Ms. Farrell said consumers might be wary of low-flow toilets because some earlier versions didn’t always work well, but newer models usually did. (Consumer Reports no longer tests old-fashioned “water-hungry” toilets, she said.)
Kitchens and laundry rooms are other places to save water, as high-efficiency dishwashers and washing machines use much less water than older models. (Another tip: Only wash a full load of dishes and clothes.)
Low-water landscaping is growing in popularity as a way to conserve water and reduce costs. On average, outdoor watering accounts for more than 30 percent of a household’s water use, but that share can be double that in arid regions, the EPA says.
Using native plants and grasses that suit local weather patterns, as well as “water zones” — grouping plants according to their water needs — can help reduce watering, says Tony Koski, an expanding lawn specialist at Colorado State University.
Lawns are stigmatized for being heavily watered and fertilized, but, he said, “if you have kids and dogs, you probably want some lawns.”
Ms. Bright suggests thinking about lawns like you think about rugs. “Do you really need wall-to-wall?” she asked. Maybe a smaller “feature rug” would do.
If you’re renovating your yard, Mr. Koski recommends hiring a professional landscape architect who knows which plants to put together for the most efficient watering possible. “They know which design flaws to avoid,” he said.
If you use an irrigation system, you can install controllers to sense when it’s raining (so more watering isn’t needed) or when it’s windy (the water will be dispersed) and shut off automatically. These devices can cost hundreds of dollars, but you may be able to recoup that money in lower water bills.
A common problem is water being lost through leaks; homeowners may not realize they have a water bill until they receive a higher-than-normal water bill. Some water districts bill quarterly, so delays can be costly.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency, a Chicago-based nonprofit, recently analyzed four utilities’ use of “smart” meter systems that quickly notify customers if water flow exceeds a certain threshold for a period of time, indicating a leak. The study found a “significant” reduction in leakage, saving up to three gallons per day per meter.
If your water utility does not have a smart system, you can purchase home leak detection equipment at many retailers.
Here are some questions and answers about saving water and lowering your water bill:
How do I know how much water my household is using?
The Water Conservation Coalition offers a water calculator on its website. Fill out a few questions about your appliances and water habits, and it creates a report that compares your water usage to that of an average household and a “water-efficient” household, with suggestions for reducing it.
What if I can’t pay my water bill?
Like gas and electric companies, water utilities often offer payment assistance or flexible payment options to help low-income customers pay their bills and avoid loss of service. Call your water system to ask if you qualify.
A report by the American Water Alliance, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable water policy, said payment assistance programs are often underutilized, in part because people don’t know about them or they can have onerous application requirements. The consortium and planning and engineering firm Stantec conducted a study of alternative pricing strategies in two large Midwestern cities and found that water rates depend at least in part on factors such as building size or number of bedrooms, rather than just how much water is used. Helps alleviate the burden of high water bills on low-income households.
How do I find water saving fixtures and appliances?
Look for the EPA’s WaterSense label, which means these products have passed efficiency and performance standards. Consumer Reports (subscription available) tested a variety of appliances and gave eco-friendly products a green leaf, indicating that it is a “green choice” product.
