How to Save on Water Bill (and Sewer Charges): Practical Tips That Actually Work

High water bills can wreck a budget fast. And if you rent, it can feel like you don’t have much control. The good news is there are still proven, practical ways to cut water use and lower your bill.

Key Takeaways

• Leaks, outdated fixtures, and outdoor watering are the most common causes of high water bills.
• A simple meter check or toilet test can uncover hidden water loss in minutes.
• WaterSense-labeled fixtures save more gallons of water than older “low-flow” models without sacrificing performance.
• Sewer charges are often based on indoor water usage, which is why sewer bills can exceed water charges.
• Small habit changes, when combined with basic upgrades, typically produce the most consistent savings.

Why Is My Water Bill So High?

If you’ve ever opened your water bill and thought, “Wait… why is it so high?” your first guess is probably that you used more water than usual. Sometimes that’s true—but not always. In many cases, the increase comes down to one of these common issues:

1. 1. Leaks: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a single running toilet can waste 200–300 gallons per day, which would cost you approximately $60–$180 per month.
   2. Inefficient Fixtures: Older design toilets use significantly more water than modern models, with as much as 6 gallons per flush. Same story with showerheads and washing machines.
   3. Outdoor Use: Do not underestimate your outdoor water use. For one, a sprinkler system often uses thousands of gallons per month. And sometimes it’s not even you. An easy-to-reach outdoor faucet can be used without you realizing it.
   4. Meter or Billing Issues: An incorrect meter read or a billing system error is less common, but it does happen.
   5. Rate Increases: Utilities may increase the base service fee, adjust tiered pricing, or add or raise separate charges for wastewater, stormwater, or infrastructure projects.

The Fastest Ways to Spot a Costly Problem

1. Check Your Water Meter for Continuous Use

• • Turn off all water inside and outside the home.
  • Locate your water meter and note the position of the flow indicator.
  • Wait 10–15 minutes without using any water.
  • Check the meter again.

If the indicator moves, water is flowing somewhere. A minor movement usually points to a toilet or faucet leak. Meanwhile, a rapid movement may indicate a larger plumbing issue or underground leak. Call a plumber if you can’t locate the source. Contact your utility if you suspect a problem on their side of the meter.

2. Do a 5-Minute Toilet Leak Test. Toilets are one of the most common sources of silent water waste. To test for leaks,

• • Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.
  • Do not flush.
  • Wait five minutes.
  • Check the bowl.

If color appears in the bowl, the flapper or fill valve is leaking. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day, depending on the severity.

How Can I Reduce My Water Bill?

Fix Leaks Promptly

I spoke with a plumber about what typically drives unexpected increases, and his advice was simple: “Toilets and supply lines first. Those leaks can run for weeks without anyone noticing.” Even a small drip or a slow toilet leak can waste thousands of gallons per year.

To stay ahead of it, perform a regular check of under-sink connections and supply lines, toilets, faucets, and outdoor spigots, then repair the leaks as soon as they're detected.

Replace Old Water Fixtures

Look for fixtures with WaterSense or ENERGY STAR labels. These products are tested to reduce water use while maintaining water pressure and performance.

The EPA reported that WaterSense partners helped save ~1.2 trillion gallons in 2023 and cumulatively, around 8.7 trillion gallons since the program began. This just proves that the adoption of water-efficient fixtures produces meaningful savings.

Practice Smart Habits and Behaviors

Fixtures limit how much water can flow, but habits determine how often and how long water is used. That difference matters because household use adds up fast: EPA estimates the average American uses about 82 gallons of water per day at home, which works out to roughly 10,000 gallons in 30 days for a family of four.

And a big share of that indoor use comes from repeat activities you can adjust. Recent research coverage from AGU reports that toilets and showers make up more than 70% of indoor water consumption in the study’s context. Therefore, even small routine changes can make the biggest difference over a billing cycle:

Bathroom habits

• • Take shorter showers by a few minutes.
  • Turn off tap water while brushing teeth or shaving.
  • Avoid using toilets as trash bins. Extra flushes add up, and it can cause clogs that lead to bigger plumbing issues.

Kitchen habits

• • Run the dishwasher only when it’s full. Dishwashers are often more efficient than handwashing when used this way.
  • Scrape dirty dishes instead of pre-rinsing under running water.
  • Fix leaking sink sprayers promptly.

Laundry and household habits

• • Wash full loads when possible.
  • Use cold water when it works for the load.
  • Choose eco or shorter cycles for lightly soiled clothes.

In short, smart habits keep water use intentional. They prevent waste, support long-term savings, and make every other water-saving step more effective.

Be Smart Outdoors

Smart outdoor water use is about managing all exterior water activities efficiently and intentionally to prevent waste. This includes:

• • Timing: Water plants when it's cooler and calmer; avoid watering during rain or high wind to reduce evaporation and runoff.
  • Landscaping: Design your yard with drought-tolerant plants, use less lawn (turf), add mulch, and recycle water to naturally lower demand.
  • Maintenance: Regularly inspect and repair hoses, taps, sprinkler heads, timers, pool equipment, and outdoor lines to catch hidden leaks and overflows.
  • Security: Use spigot locks to prevent unauthorized or accidental water use, especially in rental properties, shared spaces, vacant homes, or short-term rentals.

For irrigation, a great upgrade is replacing a standard clock-based controller with a WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller. These devices adjust watering based on conditions, like weather and soil needs, and can save up to 15,000 gallons per year for an average home. However, poor maintenance can counteract these savings. An automatic irrigation system that isn't properly maintained or scheduled can actually waste up to 25,000 gallons of water per year, according to the EPA.

Turn Off Your Water When Not in Use

Turning off taps when not actively using the water is a key practice in water conservation and saving money. Leaving water running while brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes, or hosing outdoor areas can waste gallons in just a few minutes. Outdoors, an unattended hose or open spigot can waste hundreds of gallons in a single afternoon.

How Are Water Bills Calculated?

Water bills are typically calculated based on the volume of water used during a billing period, measured in centum cubic feet (CCF) or gallons. The cost per unit of water varies by location, influenced by the local water supply, treatment costs, and infrastructure maintenance. Besides consumption, some utilities also consider sewer charges, which are often based on water usage, adding to the total cost.

It is also important to understand that water utilities charge customers to fund the infrastructure needed to store, treat, and deliver water to homes and businesses. Various rate structures are employed to calculate water bills, including:

Many utilities offer online calculators or usage dashboards. Reviewing this data helps identify unusual spikes and compare month-to-month trends.

What Is the Difference Between Sewer and Water Bill?

Your water bill is for the clean water delivered to your home, and it’s usually based on how much your water meter shows you used. Your sewer bill is for taking used water away and treating it. Most homes don’t have a separate meter for wastewater, so many utilities estimate sewer use based on your water use.

Are water and sewer billed together? That depends on where you live. Some utilities combine them on one bill, while others send separate bills especially if water and sewer are managed by different agencies. Sewer charges may be listed as sewer, wastewater, sanitary sewer, or stormwater. If you see any of these, sewer costs are already included.

📌 Author’s Note

"Water and sewer billing rules vary by state and utility, so it’s better to check directly with your local utility service provider. Most utilities publish a billing guide or FAQ online, and a quick phone call can clear up confusion in minutes."

How to Lower Water Bills for Vacant Homes and Short-Term Rentals

People who own vacant homes or run short-term rentals often assume low occupancy means low water bills. In reality, that’s not always the case. A licensed plumber I spoke with (who regularly services vacation rentals and unoccupied homes) shared a few simple steps that make the biggest difference.

1. 1. Shut off the main water valve when the home is empty. This is the most effective way to stop hidden leaks from wasting water between stays.
   2. Use smart leak detectors. Place them near water heaters, under sinks, and behind toilets. Some systems shut off water automatically when they detect unusual flow.
   3. Use spigot locks to prevent water theft when the home is empty. Outdoor faucets are an easy target when a property is vacant. Spigot locks, as shown in the image above, prevent unauthorized use by neighbors or passersby.
   4. Schedule routine plumbing checks. Having a plumber inspect the property once or twice a year helps catch slow leaks and failing parts early.
   5. Add simple reminders for guests. Small signs asking guests to report dripping faucets or running toilets can prevent minor issues from becoming expensive problems.

📌 Author’s Note

"Please note that these expert tips for water and sewer bill savings may not apply universally, as local regulations and conditions vary. It's important to consult with professionals in your area to obtain the most accurate and relevant information on how to save on water bill. This will ensure that the strategies you implement are effective and compliant with regional standards."

FAQs on How to Lower Water Bill

How much is the average water bill?

In the United States, the average family water bill for a household stands at about $70 to $100 per month. This figure can fluctuate based on the number of people in the home, the local rate of water, and the household's water consumption patterns.

What uses the most water in a home?

Toilets and showers use the most water indoors. Together, they account for more than 70% of indoor water consumption, especially in homes with older fixtures or longer showers.

What device lowers the water bill?

A WaterSense-labeled toilet or showerhead lowers the water bill the most for most households. These devices reduce water use every time they’re used, without requiring daily behavior changes.

How long should I shower to save money?

Keeping showers to about 5–10 minutes helps reduce both water and energy costs. Shorter showers make a noticeable difference over a full billing cycle.

Does a dishwasher increase the water bill?

Using a dishwasher can increase your water bill, but modern, energy-efficient models are designed to use less water than hand washing, potentially leading to savings.