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Reducing water usage at home is a great way to lower your monthly expenses and be a better steward to the environment at the same time. But you may not be sure what methods to use or how much of an impact they’ll actually make. How can you save on water and reduce your monthly bill?
Read on to learn about how to reduce your water bill and discover water conservation strategies that really work.
Key Points
• The average water bill in America ranges from $40 to $70 a month, but this can vary significantly by location and household usage.
• Reducing water usage can be good for the environment and a person’s finances.
• To save water, wait to wash clothes until there is enough for a full load and run the dishwasher only when it is completely full.
• Consider installing Energy Star-certified appliances for better water efficiency.
• Shorten shower times to no more than 10 minutes to conserve water.
What Is the Average Monthly Water Bill in 2026?
The average monthly water bill in the U.S. ranges between $40 and $70 in 2026. While that may not seem to be too big a strain on the typical checking account, keep in mind that water bills can vary significantly depending on where you live, how much water your family uses, and the time of year.
Showers and toilets make up more than 70% of indoor water consumption, according to one 2025 study of indoor water use. Toilets accounted for 40% of the water used, while showers made up 30%; the remaining indoor water usage was from faucets and humidifiers, among other things. The study found that homes built before 1985 tend to use less water than those built later.
Outdoor water usage (for gardens, lawns, and pools) accounts for about 30% of the average American’s water bill — up to 60% in the summer.
How Much Money can You Actually Save By Reducing Water Usage?
You can save money by using less water. You may save anywhere from 10% to 30% on your total costs. That’s because your monthly water bill reflects water usage: The more water you use, the more money you’ll drain out of your savings account, so one of the best ways to save money on your water bill is to reduce the amount of water you use.
Beyond financial savings, conserving water is great for the environment and can help to provide reliable water for families today and in the future.
12 Effective Ways to Reduce Your Water Bill and Save Money
If you’re looking to economize on your water costs, here are 12 helpful ways to save money on your water bill every month:
1. Only Run the Washing Machine for Full Loads
Washing machines require a lot of water to operate. Waiting until you have enough dirty clothes for a full load — or using the machine’s “small load” option in a pinch — can go a long way in reducing water usage and may even help lower your energy bill.
Bonus Tip: Because washing machines and laundry detergents have improved significantly over the years, you rarely need to use the hot water option. Using cold water only can keep gas or electric bills down as well, providing another way to make your budget.
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2. Maximize Efficiency With Full Dishwasher Loads
Dishwashers are more efficient at washing dishes than handwashing is. The trick? Only run the dishwasher if it’s fully loaded. That’s how to save money on water usage and your water bill.
Bonus Tip: Save even more water by scraping food off your plate before loading it in the dishwasher. No need to rinse it, which wastes water!
3. Invest in Water-Efficient and Energy Star Appliances
Today’s washing machines and dishwashers are far more efficient than appliances from even 15 years ago. In fact, an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher saves nearly 5,800 gallons of water in its lifetime, and an ENERGY STAR washing machine uses 30% less water per cycle. It requires 20% less electricity to run, too, so you’ll save money on utility bills.
While replacing home appliances has an upfront cost, you’ll save money on water and energy bills in the long run. Some energy-efficient appliances may even come with rebates.
Bonus Tip: Look for front-load washers; these can use up to half as much water per cycle as top-load units.
4. Install Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures and Showerheads
Major appliances aren’t all you can upgrade. Plumbing fixtures like toilets and showerheads offer another opportunity to cut back on water usage. If it’s bathroom remodeling time, search for low-flow (and dual-flush) toilets that use less water per flush.
Low-flow showerheads better conserve water (saving up to 2,700 gallons per year) and may offer superior performance. In both cases, look for the WaterSense label, created by the EPA or Environmental Protection Agency.
5. Cut Back on Shower Time to Lower Daily Water Costs
This tip is pretty simple but bears repeating: The less time you spend in the shower, the less water you’ll use. And as long as you keep your showers short, you’ll save water — and money — by showering instead of taking a bath. How’s that for a creative way to save money?
It’s better for your skin, too. Most dermatologists recommend no more than 10 minutes in the shower to avoid drying out your skin.
6. Find and Fix Hidden Household Water Leaks
Leaky faucets and toilets that won’t stop running are noticeable, but your home may have other, less obvious plumbing leaks to watch out for, like your hot water tank or supply line. Because many drain pipes exist behind your walls, you may only catch a leak by hearing it, so keep your ears sharp throughout the year. Also, watch out for any spots in walls, ceilings and floors that suggest you may have a leak.
The cost to repair a leaking pipe can be high, but doing so will lower your water bill in the long run — and leaks left alone can develop into larger, more expensive problems down the road.
7. Turn Off the Tap While Brushing Your Teeth or Shaving
Letting the water run the entire time you brush your teeth — especially if you brush them for the American Dental Association’s recommended two minutes — has become the poster child for wasting water. Turning off the water while you brush can be such an easy way to cut back on water usage and avoid the consequences of not saving money.
This also applies while shaving; only run the water when you need it — not the entire time you’re shaving.
8. Start Composting Instead of Using the Garbage Disposal
Have food scraps? Don’t throw them all in the garbage disposal, which uses water; try composting instead. You can compost foods like fruits, vegetables, eggshells, meat, and coffee (filters included!); doing so can be great for your garden and save money on water.
9. Keep a Cold Pitcher of Water in the Fridge
If you let the tap run until the water gets cold enough to fill your drinking glass, you’re wasting water. Consider putting a pitcher of water in the fridge instead so that it’s cold when you want it. As a bonus, you can invest in a pitcher with a water filter for cleaner drinking water.
10. Optimize Your Lawn Care and Watering Schedule
Before watering your lawn, check the weather forecast. If rain is predicted in the next few days, don’t bother watering the lawn at all. Even if it’s hot out and hasn’t rained lately, your grass may not need water. Try stepping on it; if it springs back up, you don’t need to water it yet.
If you must water your lawn, check your sprinkler system or hose to ensure there are no leaks, and don’t overwater. That’s another way to avoid common budgeting mistakes when it comes to water usage.
Mowing your lawn less regularly is actually a good thing. Longer grass allows for deeper root growth — and thus a drought-resistant lawn that doesn’t need to be watered as often.
11. Use a Commercial Car Wash Instead of Your Driveway
Car aficionados may insist upon washing their car every other week (or every week, if they’re dedicated). While washing and waxing your car is good for protecting its paint and maintaining its value, you can get away with fewer car washes. To keep water usage down, try once a month at most.
You can also cut your own water costs entirely by paying for a commercial wash. Commercial car washes use 60% to 65% less water and are designed to prevent water pollution from runoff. Many locations also recycle their wash water multiple times.
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12. Use a Pool Cover to Prevent Costly Water Evaporation
Here’s the last way to stay motivated to save money on water costs: Have a pool outside? Make sure you cover it when not in use. Not only does this keep unwanted debris out of the swimming area, but it also helps reduce the amount of water that evaporates from the pool each day.
How to Conduct a Quick Home Water Audit
Doing a quick and easy home water audit can help you find any leaks that may be wasting water and costing you money. To do it, locate your main water meter, find the leak indicator on it (it typically looks like a small triangle or dial), and write down the number. Wait about 30 minutes without using any water and check the leak indicator again. If the numbers have changed or the dial has moved, you likely have a leak.
Next, check under the lid of your toilets or inside the tanks to see what the gallons-per-flush rating is. If a toilet uses three to five gallons per flush, consider buying a new one to save money.
Finally, check facets and showerheads for drips or moisture at connections. Look under sinks as well for any drips or water damage.
This type of house maintenance checklist can identify problems and reduce water bills.
The Takeaway
Saving money on water isn’t just great for your bank account; it’s also great for the environment. From composting to upgrading appliances to cutting back on car washes, you can dramatically reduce your family’s water consumption — and see great savings on your water bill as a result.
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FAQ
Why is my water bill suddenly so high?
A water bill that is suddenly high may indicate that you have a hidden leak or that one of your appliances isn’t functioning properly. Check to see if toilets are running (this is typically the number-one cause of high water bills), and examine pipes and under sinks for moisture or drips. If you can’t find the source of the problem, contact your water company to see if they can help.
Do water-saving showerheads actually make a difference?
Yes, water-saving showerheads can make a big difference when it comes to saving water — and money. Low-flow showerheads typically cut a shower’s water and energy use in half and may save the average family 2,700 gallons of water a year.
How much of my water bill comes from flushing the toilet?
Flushing the toilet accounts for about 40% of a family’s indoor water usage. That makes it the biggest user of water in the average home.
Can fixing a running toilet lower my water bill?
Yes. A running toilet is the number-one cause of high water bills. A running toilet can waste multiple gallons of water a day and cost you hundreds of dollars a year or more. Check your toilets regularly to make sure they aren’t running.
Are there financial assistance programs for high utility bills?
Yes, there are typically federal and state financial assistance programs to help manage high utility bills. While the specific programs depend on where you live, common programs include monthly bill credits for income-eligible households, and emergency grants for those facing water service disruption because of high bills. Contact your water company to find out what programs they offer.
Photo credit: iStock/vorDa
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