Ask Extension :: How can I reduce my water bill?

How can I reduce my water bill?

Here are some quick tips to reduce your water bill at home (source: livinggreen.ifas.ufl.edu)

Verify your home is leak free--read your water meter at the begining and end of a one-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak somewhere.
Repair leaky faucets and pipes.
Check toilet tanks--add a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the water in the bowl within 30 minutes.
Install a displacement device in the toilet tank. This will cut down on the amount of water needed per flush.
Operate the dishwasher and washing machine only when you have a full load.
Connect a shut-off nozzle to your hose.
Use a broom and dustpan instead of a hose to clean debris off the patio, sidewalk, and driveway.
Calculate how much water you use, use this handy calculator: http://www.waterbudgets.com/ConserVision/CUWCC/DataInput.htm
Become an involved citizen--report all significant water losses (broken pipes, errant sprinklers, open hydrants, etc.).