Your water bill has seasons. In winter, it’s usually lower—maybe $30 to $50 on average. You’re inside, not watering grass, and taking shorter, colder showers. Boring, but thrifty.
Summer is the villain. You’re filling pools, watering the petunias, and running the sprinkler so your neighbor’s dog can run through it. Expect that bill to double or even triple. Sorry, your hopes and dreams.
One summer, I paid $150 for water. My garden looked like a jungle, but my wallet looked like a desert. Pick your battles.
How to Stop Panicking (and Save Money)
First, check your toilet for leaks. Drop a food dye tablet in the tank. If color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fix it. It’s not rocket science, I promise.
Second, water your lawn in the morning. Not at noon when the sun just laughs at your sprinkler. Also, rain barrels are cool and make you look eco-friendly. Bonus points with Mother Nature.
Local Water Challenges Drive US Water Utility Rates Up 4%
Finally, call your water utility and ask about budget billing. They average your yearly usage and give you a flat monthly fee. No more summer panic attacks. It’s like a spa day for your budget.