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ORIGINAL: GhitaAmati

Oh gads Im glad I live out in the country and have a well........you have no idea the amount of water we go through in a week....

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  ORIGINAL: sappatoti
  
  Good morning all...
  
  Coffee... have my mug sitting next to the iBook (though, I really shouldn't be drinking any... I'll pay for it later).
  
  Warm beds and classes... depending upon the class or classes, I'd be inclined to stay in the warm bed. However, given that it's above 80 F right now and getting higher, a warm bed would be the last thing I'd want to stay in, especially if classes have cool air.
  
  My situation today is figuring out ways of reducing water usage to bring the water bill back down below $177 US per month. I know I live in a newly classified micro-desert type environment, but when the house was built five years ago, the bill was about $100 US per month less than what it is now. And no, we don't have any leaks, for the gallons used amount hasn't changed outside of a 2% swing either way. Anyone got any ideas?
  

  
  
  Hi everybody!
  
  Feeling a little guilty for having not been around much lately.  Just trying to keep up with work and family.  Hosted 50th anniversary for my folks last weekend.  Trying to log in some extra billable hours cause I am going to be in Chicago for a week or so...still planning to see D and eoin then too.
  
  OKAY SAPPA...this is one of my areas of expertise.  Being all about green building a good chunk of it is water use efficiency.
  
  So how are you currently using water is the first question?
  showers
  cooking
  laundry
  dishes and cleaning
  flushing
  and typically the most guilty culprit outdoor watering
  
  showers - install low flow head - its cheap and you will still have plenty of power - the head restricts the water and forces it out with ore pressure
  
  laundry - ideally switch to a side loading machine.  Costs more but usually pays for self.  A top loader takes approx 40 gallons per wash versus a side loader which averages 15 gallons per load.  There are other advantages to horizontal loaders as well.  Easier on your clothing and uses less energy.
  
  Toilet - replace it.  the current code is 1.Gal per flush but many people have older toilets which use up to 6 gallons per flush.  I like the Niagara flapperless toilet sold at home depot under their glacier bay brand name.
  
  Sinks and lavatories: attach restricter or diffuser to faucets - very cheap purchase at home depot again.
  
  Finally outdoor water: First use only native or adapted plants. Get rid of or limit any lawn you have (grass is drug addicted toxic carpeting anyway).  Use a water sensor irrigation system if you must have irrigation.  And finally do what I do - collect rainwater off of your roof into barrels and use this water for the garden and car washing etc.  Some folks use such water for their laundry as well although the health department would not approve.