Do you know how you use water and where most of your water goes? We can help you learn about your water use and ways to be water smart.

In 2009, the average single-family household in our service area used 79 gallons of water per person each day. The average multi-family household uses 60 gallons per person daily. How does your household stack up?

To find out, follow these steps to calculate your household and individual water use per year:

1. Find your most recent water bill.
   • The chart at the bottom shows your bimonthly use.
   • Add six billing periods (12 months) together.
   • That's your yearly use in CCF (1 CCF = 100 cubic feet of water)
2. Multiply your CCF per year by 748 to find your yearly use in gallons. (There are 748 gallons in 1 CCF.)
3. Divide the result by 365 days. This is the average number of gallons your household uses every day.
4. Divide that result by the number of people in your household. The answer is the number of gallons each person uses on average per day.

For example, if a family of three annually uses 90 units (CCF) of water:

                90 CCF x 748 gallons/CCF = 67,320 gallons

                  67,320 gallons ÷ 365 days = 184 gallons/day

                 184 gallons/day ÷ 3 people = 62 gallons/person/day

HELPFUL TOOLS

1. Download our Daily Water Use Tracking Table to find out how much water each person in your household uses during a typical day or a week.
2. Get a free conservation kit with a flow meter bag that can help you know how much water showerheads and faucets use per minute.
3. Call (253) 502-8723 for more information.

Toilets made before 1980 can use five times more water than a toilet made today and costs an average family $10 more per month in water and sewer bills. Showerheads made from 1980 to 1994 can use twice as much water as a showerhead made today.

HELPFUL TOOL

1. Download our Water Use and Costs information sheet to find out more about how much water use with toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, etc.

Finding and easily fixing household leaks can save you more than 10 percent on your water bill. Common leaks around the home include toilet leaks or running toilets, faucets that drip, and other valve leaks. Find out how much water a drip can waste. Use AWWA's drip calculator.  Find water leaks or breaks with these simple sleuthing tips:

QUICK TIPS

• Read your utility bill to check for unusually high use. If you notice an unexplainable increase in water use, or if your bill spikes after freezing weather, there’s a good chance you might have a leak or a break in a water pipe.
• Check your water meter. If you suspect a leak, your meter can help confirm your suspicion.
   - Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances. 
   - Record the values on your water meter. 
   - Do not use water for one hour.
   - Check the meter after one hour and note any change in value.
   - If the value changes, you have a leak.
• Learn to read your water meter.
• Learn more about leaks.