How Much Water Do We Use in Our Homes Daily, and How Can We Do Better?

Water is a precious resource, and understanding how much we use daily in our homes is crucial for conservation efforts. From showers to dishwashing, every activity contributes to our overall water consumption. By being aware of our usage, we can take steps to reduce waste and save on utility bills.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family’s water usage at home exceeds 300 gallons per day. Approximately 70% of this is indoor usage, which equates to 210 gallons or more daily. Also, bear in mind, now that many people are spending more time at home than in previous years, our home’s toilets and sinks are getting even more frequent use, so this percentage could be higher in 2020.

HOW MUCH WATER DOES THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD USE FOR DAILY ACTIVITIES?

How do we manage to use 210 gallons of water or more indoors in just one day? Here is a breakdown in percentages of where that daily usage occurs, according to a 2016 study from the Water Research Foundation.

Toilets: 24%

When nature calls, we must answer, and for the average adult, this occurs 6 to 7 times a day. It’s no wonder that flushing the toilet accounts for nearly a quarter of an average household’s daily water usage!

Showers: 20%

No one in your household will complain about your good hygiene (the alternative is much worse). However, spending too long in the shower can start to rack up your water usage--and your water bills.

Faucets: 19%

Considering how often we need to wash our hands to avoid illness, it’s no wonder that faucets account for the third-highest use of indoor water in most households.

Clothes Washer: 17%

Unless you own a washing machine that adjusts the amount of water it uses based on the laundry load size, your appliance will use the same number of gallons each time, whether you’re washing one pair of jeans or several.

Leaks: 12%

Watersense (an EPA partnership program) reports that 10% of U.S. households have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more daily! Some of the most common leaks include dripping faucets and toilets with an internal leak from a worn-out flapper.

Other: 8%

Other water usage can apply to sources like your dishwasher, the water you get from your refrigerator, etc.

HOW TO SAVE WATER AROUND THE HOUSE

There are multiple ways to conserve water at home to benefit the environment and lower your monthly bills. Here are some good habits and plumbing improvements to consider.

Fix Leaks (Even “Small” Ones)

According to Watersense, the average U.S. home’s leaks can account for over 10,000 gallons of wasted water annually. To put that into perspective, 10,000 gallons could wash 270 laundry loads. If you can hear your toilet running continuously or if you see a drippy faucet, don’t postpone a plumbing repair.

Use a Shower Bucket

While waiting for your shower water to get warm, collect the cold water in a bucket. You can use that water for watering plants, housecleaning, washing hand-wash-only laundry items, and shaving.

Install a Recirculation System

Think of this as the advanced alternative to the shower bucket. Instead of waiting ages for the shower water to heat up and collecting the cold water yourself, the recirculation system eliminates that wasted water for you and, even better, reduces the time you wait for hot water.

Wait for Full Loads of Laundry

Resist the urge to put just a few clothing items in your washer at a time unless your washing machine will adjust the cycle accordingly. It’s more energy-efficient and water-smart to have a “laundry day” during which you wash full loads.

Boil Less Water For Pasta

Unless you’re making a giant vat of pasta, you typically don’t need to boil as much water as the directions specify. Most of the time, you can cut the water content in half, and your pasta will still turn out fine! This reduces your water use and the energy you spend warming it to a boil.

Use Your Dishwasher

If you own a newer, energy-efficient dishwasher, you’ll save more water and energy by using it rather than washing your dishes by hand. In fact, using an ENERGY-STAR certified dishwasher will save you nearly 5,000 gallons of water annually as opposed to handwashing dishes.

Harvest Rainwater

Here in Seattle, we have no shortage of rainwater. Why not use it to help out your home and the environment? You can make DIY containers, or for a more advanced solution, contact an eco-friendly plumber.

Put Aerators In Your Faucets

Aerators reduce the water volume that comes out of your faucets by injecting the water with air. You’ll still feel that satisfying pressure while washing your hands with the added benefit of reducing what goes down the drain. To maximize water conservation, look for Water-Sense-labeled aerators.

Replace Your Plumbing Fixtures with WaterSense-labeled Products

Products must meet the EPA’s criteria to have the WaterSense label. Specifically, the products must “use at least 20% less water, save energy, and perform as well as or better than regular models” (as stated by the EPA).

Calculate Your Water Usage

Understanding your daily water usage can help you identify areas where you can conserve water and reduce your utility bills. Here's a detailed formula to calculate your household's water usage:

1. Determine Daily Usage Per Person: On average, each person uses about 82 gallons of water per day
   .
2. Calculate Household Usage: Multiply the daily usage per person by the number of people in your household. For example, a household of 3 people would use:

   82 gallons/person/day×3 people=246 gallons/day82 gallons/person/day×3 people=246 gallons/day

3. Monthly Usage: Multiply the daily household usage by the average number of days in a month (30.4 days)
   . For the example above:

   246 gallons/day×30.4 days=7,478.4 gallons/month246 gallons/day×30.4 days=7,478.4 gallons/month

By using this formula, you can get a clear picture of your water consumption and identify opportunities to save water. Regularly monitoring your usage can lead to more efficient water use and lower bills.

Our Water-Saving Plumbing Solutions

At Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer, LLC, we are committed to helping you reduce water usage and improve efficiency in your home. Our team offers a range of eco-friendly plumbing solutions designed to conserve water and lower your utility bills.

• High-Efficiency Fixtures: We install water-saving fixtures such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets that significantly reduce water consumption without compromising performance.
• Leak Detection and Repair: Our experts use advanced technology to detect and repair leaks promptly, preventing water waste and potential damage to your home.
• Tankless Water Heaters: We offer tankless water heaters that provide hot water on demand, reducing the energy and water used by traditional tank heaters.
• Greywater Systems: Our team can design and install greywater systems that recycle water from sinks, showers, and laundry for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
• Smart Irrigation Systems: We provide smart irrigation solutions that optimize water usage for your garden and lawn, ensuring efficient watering based on weather conditions and soil moisture levels.

By choosing our water-saving plumbing solutions, you can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the benefits of reduced water bills and a more sustainable home. Let us help you achieve your water conservation goals with our expert services.

For assistance with eco-friendly plumbing solutions, products, repairs, and upgrades, you can rely on our experts at Green Planet Plumbing & Sewer, LLC. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or by phone at (206) 207-7625 for help.