How to Save Money on Your Water Bill

Water costs keep climbing in many parts of the country, and for households already managing money wisely and stretching every dollar, even a small increase can stretch a tight budget. With the national average cost of water and wastewater around $15.21 per 1,000 gallons, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it’s easy to see how many families end up spending over $1,000 per year on water.

The good news is that saving money on your water bill often doesn’t require major renovations or expensive upgrades. Small habits and simple fixes may be able to lower your usage more than you might expect. Whether you rent or own, you have options to save money on your water bill.

Track and Adjust Your Water Usage

Small habit changes make a big difference in your daily water use. According to the EPA, the typical U.S. resident uses about 82 gallons of water per day at home, meaning a family of four could use around 10,000 gallons per month. But simple habit changes could help households cut back on water use by being more mindful.

Try these strategies:

Read your water meter before and after a one-hour period when all water is off to reveal hidden leaks that could be wasting water.
Compare monthly bills to show sudden spikes in usage that could indicate a problem.
Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
Reduce shower time by just a few minutes per day.
Run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.

These changes don’t cost anything, but they add up quickly.

Cut Back on Water Use Outdoors

Outdoor water often accounts for over 30% of a home’s total usage, and in dry regions, it can reach 60%. If you water your lawn every day for 20 minutes, that’s like running a shower for four days straight.

Instead, use these tactics to cut back on water usage outside:

Water early in the morning or later in the evening
Reduce watering frequency
Install a smart irrigation controller
Check sprinklers to make sure they’re not watering sidewalks

Switch to Water-Efficient Appliances

Many water-saving upgrades are affordable and offer one of the best returns on investment. For example, replacing an old toilet with a WaterSense-labeled toilet could save the average family about 13,000 gallons per year, or roughly $170 annually.

Even low-cost changes can help, like opting to use:

Low-flow showerheads
Faucet aerators
High-efficiency dishwashers
Front-load or ENERGY STAR washing machines

Retrofitting with WaterSense-labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR-certified appliances could save families more than $380 annually, according to the EPA.

Many utility companies also offer:

Rebates for WaterSense toilets
Free low-flow showerheads
Fixture upgrade kits
Discounts on smart irrigation systems

Check your local water provider’s website for options in your area.

Check for Leaks and Fix Them

Household leaks waste about 9,400 gallons per year for an average family. Nationwide, that's nearly 900 billion gallons lost annually. These silent water wasters often go unnoticed but steadily drain your budget. Fixing leaks is often the single biggest immediate saving opportunity, potentially saving thousands of gallons and dollars yearly.

Checking for leaks requires just a few minutes of your time. Follow these steps:

Add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
Check under sinks for moisture or water stains.
Listen for running toilets or dripping faucets, especially at night when the house is quiet.

Fix leaks promptly to prevent bigger problems and higher bills. And even if you're not a DIY person, many leak repairs require just basic tools and a trip to the hardware store. When in doubt, consult a plumber or your landlord if you rent.

Reduce Water Usage in Apartments

Apartment living presents unique challenges since you can't control building-wide water systems or make major plumbing changes. However, renters still have many options to reduce their water use and bills. The key is focusing on what you can control while working with your landlord on larger issues.

You may be able to easily and inexpensively install renter-friendly water-saving devices that don't require permanent changes, like:

Faucet aerators may cost just a few dollars and twist on easily, reducing flow to 0.5-1.5 gallons per minute.
Low-flow showerheads can be installed without tools and can move with you.
For laundry, use cold water settings and group loads together. If your building has old washing machines, consider using high-efficiency machines at a laundromat.

Communication with your landlord or management company is essential for addressing leaks and upgrades. Report toilet, faucet, and pipe leaks immediately, as landlords typically cover these repairs, saving you the water cost. And be sure to ask your property management company about water-efficiency upgrades or whether they participate in utility rebate programs.

Take Advantage of Water Conservation Programs

Local municipalities and water districts often provide valuable conservation resources at little or no cost. Many offer free water-saving kits containing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilet leak detection tablets. These programs help residents save money when living paycheck to paycheck by providing immediate water-saving tools.

Government rebates can also significantly reduce the cost of water-efficient upgrades. Look for toilet replacement rebates, washing machine incentives, and smart irrigation controller programs. Some areas offer low-interest loans through PACE financing specifically for water-efficiency improvements. These programs make upgrades accessible even when budgets are tight.

Connect with your local water district's website or call their conservation hotline to discover available programs. Many utilities provide free home water audits, customized conservation plans, and even landscape transformation rebates for replacing lawns with drought-tolerant plants. Take advantage of these resources to maximize your water savings while minimizing out-of-pocket costs.

Make Your Water Bill Easier to Manage, Your Way

Smart water use starts with small, manageable steps that fit your lifestyle and budget. Whether you're fixing a leak, installing a low-flow showerhead, or simply taking shorter showers, every action counts toward lower bills.

When unexpected bills arrive, or you need funds for water-saving upgrades, EarnIn's tools can help. Tip Yourself¹ lets you effortlessly save with every paycheck in a no-cost, FDIC-insured account, which can be a great way to build a fund for water efficiency upgrades.

If you need immediate help with a water bill, Cash Out lets you access up to $150 per day of your earned wages, with a max of $1,000 between paydays², with no interest and no mandatory fees, and tips are optional³. For faster access, Lightning Speed³ gets your cash in minutes, starting at $3.99 per transfer⁴.

Managing water costs is just one part of what $250 from EarnIn really helped people do, in addition to helping them take control of their finances, one bill at a time. Because when your money moves at the speed of you, managing monthly expenses becomes more manageable.

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Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.

This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.

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