Here's How To Reduce Your Water Bill This Month In Maryland

In Maryland, utility bills can cost an arm and a leg. While there might not be much you can do to run less A/C in the summer, there are easy steps you can take to consume less water any time of the year.

Consider these five easy renovations to drastically reduce your water consumption. Your wallet, and the environment, will thank you.

1. Repair Leaking Pipes
If your water meter reading went through the roof this month, chances are you have a leaky pipe. Another way to tell? Look for damp walls, excess mold, a drop in water pressure, and cracks in the pavement. Unfortunately, this one will require professional help, so if your home exhibits any of the above signs, call a plumber.

Need a plumber to repair leaky pipes? Find a local pro now.

2. Water Your Lawn Smarter

We all want that beautiful green lawn, but overwatering (especially right after a storm) can waste a ton of water. Set a timer for early morning (before 7 a.m.) so that the water doesn’t evaporate in the sun, and add rain sensors to your sprinkler. This will tell your system to skip the irrigation cycle if it recently rained.

Better yet, install a rain barrel and save your rainwater to lessen your footprint and water bill. This water is free of many of the chemicals used in tap water, so it’s a great solution to water your car, fill a bird bath, and of course, water the lawn.

Lastly, you can opt for a drip irrigation system that applies a small amount of water uniformly to your lawn. This improves accuracy as well; no more brown spots your sprinkler can’t reach.

3. Install a Water Aerator

Install a water aerator onto your kitchen sink to limit your flow to a non-splashing stream. This one is easy to DIY on your own by screwing the aerator on the faucet head. It will slow the flow of your water and cut waste.

4. Improve Your Bathroom’s Performance

Get more miles out of your bathroom by installing a low-flush or dual-flush toilet, which can save thousands of gallons of water per year. Don’t want to invest in a full upgrade? Simply repair your current toilet. Over time, these parts can corrode, bend and become less efficient.

Another simple fix is to buy a new shower head. A low-flow head still delivers a satisfying shower with 2.5 gallons of water per minute compared to older models, which top out at 8 gallons per minute.

5. Upgrade Old Appliances

Your old washer and dishwasher might be major water wasters. For example, a front-loading washing machine uses about half as much water as a top-loader. Look for Energy Star qualified appliances to start reducing your monthly water bill.

HomeAdvisor is a Patch promotional partner.