Every fixture and appliance in your home that dispenses water can be rated based on the number of gallons per minute (GPM) that pass through it. These rates vary widely, depending on the age of the fixture and how water-efficiently it has been designed. Knowing and controlling these GPM rates is the first step in shrinking your water bill costs. The problem is that few homeowners have any sense of how much water all of their various services are using. But there are simple methods of finding out how much water is used, plus simple ways to limit consumption.
Typical Rates For Common Appliances and Services
First examine some average ranges of GPM for typical household fixtures and appliances. Wherever possible, GPM is the most accurate measuring stick for water consumption.
Find GPM by Measuring One-Gallon vs. Time
The one-gallon method is an easier and more reliable method of determining GPM. You only need a watch and a one-gallon bucket.
Find GPM With the 15-Second Method
How To Limit Your Water Usage
Considering that the average person uses anywhere from 50-100 gallons of water per day, there are plenty of opportunities to reduce water consumption in your home.
Install aerators on faucets. Aerators introduce air into the water stream, making the water feel softer to the touch and limiting its volume. Remove your old, inefficient toilet and replace it with a modern 1.6 GPF toilet. Consider removing luxury items such as swimming pools, fountains, garden ponds, and hot tubs. Purchase and install a low-flow showerhead. In fact, many communities now require that you install low-flow showerheads. Replace old appliances like clothes washers and dishwashers with new EnergyStar-rated appliances. You may even wish to consider washing dishes by hand rather than using the dishwasher. Under the bathroom sink, turn down the two water supply lines to reduce water flow. This is an especially value tactic to use with children’s bathrooms. Consider changing out your water-gobbling lawn and replacing it with a xeriscaped garden. Xeriscaping takes advantage of plants that require less water, such as cacti and other succulents. Repair water leaks immediately. Even low volume drips will, over time, waste vast quantities of water. Be conservative: take shorter showers, shut the water off while brushing your teeth, fill the sink with water while washing dishes instead of running the faucet, etc.
