by Doreen Martel

Created on: January 11, 2010   Last Updated: January 21, 2012

We have become so accustomed to paying for our water bills, we sometimes lose track of how much water we are wasting.  There are some simple ways that you can save money on your water bill, most of them involving being more aware of how you are using water in your home.

Do not leave water running - If you need colder water than what is coming out of your tap, fill up a pitcher and put it in the refrigerator.  Running water does nothing except cause you higher water bills.  Make sure your ice cube trays are full as well, which will prevent you from wasting water running it to cool off.

Water levels in washing machines - Regardless of how much laundry you need to do, make sure your water levels are set properly. If you need to do only a small load of laundry, use the low water setting on your machine. Whenever possible, do laundry in large loads to avoid wasting water.

Showering uses a lot of water - If you use a low-flow shower head, you can conserve a great deal of water in the shower.  Some other options include shutting off the water after you wet your body, and turning it back on when you have fully cleaned yourself (though this is not a convenient option). Depending on how much water it takes to fill your bathtub, you may find that bathing saves water over showering.  For most people a low-flow shower head is the best option to save money on your water bill.

Daily hygiene - Many of us tend to let the water run when we are brushing our teeth (or shaving) at the bathroom sink.  You can save money on your water bill by not shutting off the water while brushing your teeth. While it may seem like a small amount of wasted water, over a year this can add up considerably.

Hand washing - Hand sanitizer is effective in killing bacteria and germs and can result in saving money on your water bill if you place them at the bath and kitchen sinks. This will allow you to keep your hands clean and not run water unnecessarily.  Keeping your hands clean is important, but you do not have to waste water to keep them clean.

Make use of aerators - Using aerators on your faucets in your kitchen and your bath can also save a fair amount on your water bill.  They will reduce the amount of water that you are using, which will allow you to save money on your water bill.   Aerators are easy to install and can actually save you a great deal of money on your water bill.

There are many options for saving money on your water bill including these listed. Using water sensibly will not only help you save money on your water bill, but will also help preserve this important natural resource.

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