There are a number of tricks to reduce water charges, not all of which require expensive upgrades to appliances that might be out of reach for some households. These include using water more intelligently, keeping appliances in good condition, and considering smart purchasing choices when appliances absolutely must be replaced or upgraded. It can be a good idea to start out with detailed records on water usage over the last year so you can see how your conservation measures impact water charges. If old water bills are not available, the water company may be able to reprint them.
Water conservation is an important step for a household that wants to reduce water charges. Some small steps can include turning off faucets while brushing teeth, rinsing dishes at the end of the wash rather than as they are cleaned, and putting bricks or floats in the toilet to reduce the amount of water used per flush. It is also advisable to capture water that runs while it heats for use in watering the garden. A bucket by the shower can remind users to save the water instead of pouring it down the drain.
Shorter showers that include turning the shower off while soaping can also limit water usage. For homes with dishwashers and washing machines, they should only be run when there is a full load. All of these measures to limit water charges do not require any extra expense and can be easy to implement.
It is also important to maintain plumbed appliances. Any leaky faucets should be fixed, as they can lose water at a very rapid rate. To check for leaks that may not be readily apparent, you can read the meter, wait for several hours while no water is used, and then check again. If it registers a change, there is a leak in the plumbing somewhere around the house. Such leaks can also cause rot and damage, and it is important to fix them. It can also be a good idea to regularly replace the toilet flapper and washers on the sinks, even before leaks appear, to keep the plumbing in good condition.
For households with money to spend on reducing water charges, energy-efficient appliances are recommended. Low-water dishwashers and washing machines are available and can limit the amount of water used per load. A gray water diversion system can save usable water for the garden. A dual flush toilet that releases minimal water for urine and a larger load for feces is another option. On-demand water heaters can also help cut water charges by heating water as needed, rather than in a tank; this option will also cut down on energy bills.
Outdoors, some steps to limit water charges include watering in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation loss, and using soak hoses to get the water directly into beds. Car washes should not be done at home, as this can waste copious amounts of water. For houses with swimming pools and spas, covering the equipment to limit evaporation helps cut down on water charges, as does not exceeding recommended capacity.
There may also be some ways to cut down on the total bill directly. Some government agencies provide financial assistance for low-income families who have trouble paying their utilities. The water agency may also offer a benefit to a family that can reduce water usage radically, where they get a discount as long as they stay below an allotted amount during each billing period.