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Understanding Residential Water UseWater Consumption for Various Household Activities:
Bathroom Use 

Toilet - The average person flushes a toilet about 7-9 times per day, and larger capacity toilets consume up to 6 gallons per flush (gpf).  That means one person can use over 1,600 gallons per billing cycle, from toilet use alone.  Ultra low flow toilets (ULF), using a maximum 1.6 gpf, can save up to 1200 gallons per billing cycle for each person in your household; that means a lower water bill.  Toilets are the most common source of leaks.  A leak of only 1 cup per minute into the toilet bowl will waste 90 gallons per day or 2,700 gallons per billing cycle.  That will cost you about $20 in water, and may also increase your sewer bill.  For more information, check out:  Identifying and Repairing Toilet Leaks or call 781-7217 or 781-7213.

Shower - Old shower heads can use 3-8 gallons per minute (GPM), while a shower with a low flow head uses a maximum of 2.5 gpm.  A 10 minute shower with an older head can easily use 50 gallons of water, while a low flow head will use only 25 gallons.

Faucet - The standard for faucet aerators is now 2.2 gpm.  A faucet without a flow restricting aerator can use up to 5 gpm.  Even a mildly dripping faucet can water a lot of water, so be sure to repair all leaks!

Kitchen Use       

Automatic Dishwashers - Current models consume 5.5 to 11 gallons; older models use 9.5 to 14 gallons.  Please wash full loads only.

Kitchen Faucet - When doing dishes, you can save water by filling the basin, rather than allowing the faucet to flow.  And remember to repair any leaks! 

Laundry Room

 Washing Machine - The most common models today are top loaders.  Most use about 40 gallons per load, although there are a few models that use slightly less.  Front loaders are the most water efficient, and some use as little as 17 gallons per full load.
If a partial load is necessary, adjust the water level accordingly.  The better models have automatic water level adjustment.  Some models have “cool down” cycle or extra rinse cycles that may use an extra 40 gallons of water; these cycles should be avoided.
The City is currently offering a rebate on the purchase of qualified washing machines. 
A good practice is to use only full loads.

Most Common Water Use Problems

	Toilet Leaks - By far, most common leaks are associated with the toilet.  They can dramatically increase your water bill, so toilets are the first fixture that should be checked.  A faulty flapper  valve is the most common source of a leak and can be easily replaced.  Toilets can be shut off for repair by turning off the valve at the wall, below the toilet tank.
	Service Line Leaks - Service lines run from the meter to the house.  If you discover a leak in your service line, it should be immediately repaired or replaced.  By the time an older line begins to leak, it probably has developed other problems such as thin walls or partial clogging.  It may be more practical to replace the entire service line than locate the leak and make repairs.
	Leaking Irrigation Valves - Irrigation valves turn on and off the water to your individual irrigation stations.  A valve leak may be detected by listening to a valve for the sound of water passing through.  If a leak is found, the water should be turned off and the valve repaired or replaced.
	Broken Sprinkler Heads or Missing Drip Emitters - Be on the lookout for these.  A good practice is to turn on your irrigation system and check for problems on a monthly basis.
	Who is Responsible: The City is responsible for the service line from the street to the meter including the connections.  If you find a leak in your meter box, you should phone 781-7133, and request that someone investigate the problem.  The service line and all plumbing fixtures on the customer side of the meter are the responsibility of the water customer.

OTHER INFORMATION 

Average Water Use: Please keep in mind that your bill includes charges for water and sewer service, and the billing period is 30 days.  One water “billing unit” is equal to 748 gallons or 100 cubic feet.

Single Family Residence (SFR): The average household of three, with moderate landscaping, consumes about 75-80 gallons per person, per day, or about 9-10 units per billing cycle. During winter months when irrigation is turned off, water use can drop to 2 units per person per month.

Multi-family Residence (MFR): An average apartment or condominium, with three residents, with only indoor water use, consumes about 45-50 gallons of water per person per day, or about 5-6 units per billing cycle.

 

Utility Billing Adjustment Committee (UBAC)
The UBAC is an appeals committee formed to help resolve water and sewer billing disputes that might arise between the customer and the City.  If you have questions about your utility bill, email us at: UBAC@slocity.org

Additional Information - More information is available on solving your water use problems.  If you need to speak with someone, call the Utilities Conservation Office at 781-7217 or 781-7213.

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