The dog days of summer are right around the corner. With temperatures heating up, many of us are trying to keep cool the best we can. Unfortunately, while many of us are sweating over how to keep our electric bills down without unplugging the AC, we can often forget about summer’s effect on our water bill.
It’s not uncommon for water bills to climb as we struggle to keep our lawns green and our bodies cool. But the good news is that there are a few ways you can keep your water bill from rising when you least expect it.
Here are four ways to protect your budget and to keep your water bill down this summer.
Fix any leaks
About 10% of American homes waste up to 90 gallons of water every day because of leaks. That’s 90 gallons of water you’re paying for that you’re not even using. If you notice a leak from your faucet or shower, consider contacting your local plumber to help fix the issue. Keep in mind that when it comes to plumbing sometimes a DIY project can make things worse.
Minimize how often you water your lawn
Many homeowners water their lawns too frequently, which can actually have a negative impact on the health of your grass. It’s recommended only to water your lawn about one to 1.5 inches per week. Keep in mind that you don’t need to water your lawn as frequently when there are rainy days throughout the week. You only need to water the top six to eight inches of soil.
Fill up a bucket for outdoor games
Up to 19.6% of millennial participate in water sports, but it’s not safe to visit beaches and other outdoor areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many of us are bringing the water sports to our own yards for our kids to enjoy.
However, if you’re not careful, you can end up racking up your water bill with how much you’re filling up water balloons, water guns, and super-soakers. To keep your water bill down, fill up a bucket with water that your kids can use to refill their toys while they’re outside. This way, your kids don’t have to come inside, turn on the sink, wait for the water to get cool, and then fill up their toys.
Consider a landscape water-use program
If you’re a part of a community association, consider asking other members if they’d be interested in establishing an efficient landscape water-use program. U.S. homeowners paid approximately $88 billion in assessments toward community associations in 2016, so any program that can save on utility dollars, reduce liability and damages, and improve the health of the community landscape will pique many homeowners’ interest.
It can be tricky to keep your water bill down during the summer months, but by following the tips above, you can help to keep your utility bills under control while still keeping cool.
Metro Detroit Mommy writer Kelsey.