As summer temperatures climb, so does your water consumption — not to mention your monthly water bill…and sometimes, by staggering amounts. Extra showers, thirsty lawns, home car washing, and filling up pools can really add up. But with a few smart strategies and small upgrades, you can keep your household comfortable and your water bill under control, even in the hottest months. Here’s how:
Water Your Lawn, Garden, and Beds More Effectively
Your grass and plants don’t need daily watering. Instead, water deeply two to three times a week. Early mornings, before the sun gets too strong (ideally before 10 a.m.), are best because cooler temperatures and lighter breezes help reduce evaporation.
Switch to Low-Flow Fixtures
Modern low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets save surprising amounts of water without sacrificing comfort. Standard showerheads often use about 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), while low-flow options bring that down to around 1.5–2.0 GPM. Upgrading older toilets to high-efficiency models that use only about 1.28 gallons per flush can also save thousands of gallons per year — lowering your water bill not just during the summer, but year-round.
Find and Fix Leaks Quickly
A slow-dripping faucet can lose several gallons each day, and a running toilet could waste hundreds. Make it a habit to check faucets, toilets, outdoor spigots, and hoses for leaks or worn seals. Most repairs are quick and inexpensive, but they can lead to substantial savings.
Use Appliances Wisely
Before running your dishwasher or washing machine, wait until you have a full load. Many newer models have eco-friendly or water-saving cycles — use them when possible. If you wash dishes by hand, fill the sink or a basin rather than letting water run continuously. It may seem like a small change, but it makes a difference over weeks of daily use.
Reduce Unnecessary Outdoor Water Use
Summer fun often means filling pools, spraying off patios, or washing cars in the driveway. These activities can use hundreds of extra gallons each month. Keep your pool covered when it’s not in use to slow evaporation, and sweep patios and driveways instead of hosing them off. When washing the car, use a bucket and sponge rather than leaving the hose running.
Reimagine Your Landscaping
Traditional grass lawns require a lot of water, especially under the summer sun. Consider replacing some lawn areas with native plants, drought-resistant shrubs, or decorative gravel. Mulching flower beds and around trees helps soil hold moisture longer and protects roots from extreme heat.
Trim a Few Minutes Off Showers
Cutting even two minutes from each shower can save an average of about two gallons of water every time. Multiply that by the number of family members and days in the month, and the savings become significant, and all without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.
Get Help from Messmer Mechanical
By combining these habits and upgrades, you can keep your home comfortable while keeping your water bill in check. You can also keep your lawn, shrubbery, and gardens in mint green condition. Thinking about switching to low-flow fixtures or concerned that you might have an active but hard-to-spot leak? Contact Messmer Mechanical today for expert service and advice — we’re here to help you save water and money all summer long.