How to Lower Your Water Bill

Leaks Come First

The EPA says the average family can waste 180 gallons a week, or 9,400 gallons a year, from household leaks. (EPA WaterSense: Statistics and Facts (opens in a new tab))

To check, turn off all water in the house and read your meter, then read it again after a couple of hours. If it moved, you may have a leak. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color shows in the bowl without flushing, the flapper is leaking.

Steps to Cut Your Water Bill

• Do the meter test and the toilet dye test for leaks.
• Fix running toilets and dripping faucets, or replace worn flappers and washers.
• Swap in EPA WaterSense (opens in a new tab) labeled showerheads, faucet aerators and toilets.
• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
• Water lawns early or late in the day, and follow any local watering rules.
• Check outdoor hoses, spigots and irrigation for leaks.
• Lower your water heater setting to cut both water heating and energy costs. See weatherize your home.
• Call your utility about payment plans, leak credits and assistance programs.

Read Your Bill

Check whether the bill uses an actual or estimated meter reading, and compare your use to the same month last year. Many water bills also include sewer charges based on water use. How your utility figures sewer charges: Unknown until you check your bill or call.

If a reading looks wrong, ask the utility to re-read the meter. Ask whether it offers a leak adjustment credit after you fix a leak. Policies vary: Unknown for your utility.

Help Paying Your Water Bill

Ask your water utility about payment plans and assistance programs. Some cities and counties run their own programs: Unknown for your area. Call 211 to find local help.

Already behind? See behind on utility bills. Veterans and military families can check veteran and military bill help.

Leaving home for the season? Our protect your home while away checklist covers shutting off water and preventing frozen pipes.

Independent site, not a provider

ForLowerBills.com is run by a disabled U.S. Air Force wartime veteran and team.

ForLowerBills.com is an independent, free resource. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency or provider. Programs and prices change. Always confirm details with the official source or your provider.