Have you noticed your water bill creeping up as the days get warmer? If so, you’re not alone! Summer often brings higher water usage, and higher costs. But what exactly causes those seasonal spikes, and what can you do to keep your bill under control? Let’s break it down.
Why Summer Water Use Rises
Outdoor Watering and Lawn Care
When temperatures rise, your lawn and shrubbery beds get extra thirsty. Sprinklers, garden hoses, and irrigation systems can easily double (or more) your usual water consumption, especially if you’re watering daily or during the heat of the day when evaporation is highest.
Filling Pools, Hot Tubs, and Kiddie Pools
Even a small backyard pool can add hundreds of gallons to your water bill. Larger pools may require topping off due to evaporation and splash-out, further adding to water use.
Summer Guests and Entertaining
Family reunions, backyard barbecues, or kids home from school can mean extra showers, more dishwashing, and increased laundry—pushing your water usage higher.
Car Washing and Other Outdoor Projects
Washing cars, decks, and patios can also add hundreds of gallons to your monthly water consumption.
Evaporation and Leaks
Higher temperatures increase evaporation from pools and even from outdoor plumbing fixtures. Meanwhile, hoses and outdoor faucets can develop slow leaks that waste surprising amounts of water over time.
What You Can Do to Lower Your Summer Water Bill
Water Smart, Not Hard
Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Consider watering deeply but less frequently, which helps grass grow stronger roots and saves water.
Install Water-Saving Fixtures
Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and low-flow toilets can cut daily water use significantly – without sacrificing comfort.
Check for Leaks
Inspect outdoor hoses, faucets, and sprinkler systems regularly. Indoors, check under sinks and around toilets. Even a slow drip can add up to gallons wasted every day.
Use a Pool Cover
Covering your pool when it’s not in use reduces evaporation and keeps it cleaner—meaning fewer refills and less maintenance.
Rethink Car Washing
Instead of washing your car at home, consider a local car wash that recycles water. If you do wash at home, use a bucket and a spray nozzle that shuts off automatically.
Keep Your Water Bill in Check
A higher summer water bill isn’t always avoidable, but with a few simple changes, you can reduce unnecessary waste and save money. Small steps like watering more efficiently, checking for leaks, and using water-saving products really do add up.
If you’d like help inspecting your plumbing or upgrading to more efficient fixtures, Norhio Plumbing is here for you. Call today for a free proposal and answers to your home plumbing questions.
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