January 2024
Barbara O’Neill, Ph.D., CFP®, AFC®
Distinguished Professor and Extension Financial Management Specialist Emeritus
Rutgers Cooperative Extension
As noted in a previous monthly message, utilities are a major recurring expense in family budgets. Costs for heating/cooling, electricity, and water, while not as large as housing and transportation, are still significant. In addition, water is a precious natural resource that is scarce in certain parts of the county experiencing droughts.
Small steps to reduce water usage can add up over time. Below are 12 ways to reduce water use and save money:
Hand Washing- Turn off the water faucet and don't let water run when you are washing your hands with soap prior to rinsing.
Tooth Brushing- Turn off the water faucet and don't let water run when you are brushing your teeth with toothpaste prior to rinsing or while flossing.
Full Loads- Run only full loads of laundry in the washing machine and dishes in the dishwasher to save money on three valuable resources: water, electricity, and time spent doing household chores.
Low-Flow Showerheads- Replace standard showerheads with those that save water (and money!) by restricting the flow of water with minimal effects on water pressure. Ditto for low-flow kitchen faucets.
Use a Dishwasher- Wash dishes in a dishwasher instead of by hand to use less water. In addition, scrape food scraps off dirty dishes instead of rinsing them. If you do wash dishes by hand, avoid running water continuously.
Fix Leaks Promptly- Repair leaks in pipes, toilets, faucets, or lawn irrigation systems immediately to avoid unnecessarily inflated water bills.
Collect Rainwater- Set up rain barrels during non-winter months to collect water that can be used for watering gardens and plants, thereby reducing the need for tap water.
Water Wisely- In warm weather months, water lawns and outdoor plants early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation and ensure more efficient absorption.
Swap Brooms for Hoses- Sweep driveways and sidewalks, instead of using a hose, to remove grass clippings and other debris.
Take Showers- Consider switching from baths to showers because they generally use less water. Quick showers, especially, conserve water and reduce water heating costs. Shallow baths are another money-saving option.
Monitor Water Bills- Review water bills, both the dollar amount owed and the amount of gallons used. Spikes in billing amounts and water usage could indicate problems, such as a water leak, that should be addressed promptly.
Take Advantage of Freebies- Check on products or services available for free from your water utility company. For example, some have programs to provide free low-flow showerheads or give away free toilet leak detector dye tablets. If a color appears in your toilet bowl after a tablet is dropped in the tank, it means you have a leak.
Finally, remember that water is never "free." Set aside funds for inevitable repairs that will be necessary if you get your water from a private well instead of a water utility company. For example, at some point, you may need to replace a well pump. Periodic testing of well water quality is also recommended.