Why is my household using so much water?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home which can vary by region and climate.  They estimate that toilet use is the largest single use at 24%, followed by showers 20%, faucets 19%, and clothes washer 17%.  Leaks account for about 12% which is one reason why the water department will often suggest that a leak from a toilet may be a factor when customers inquire about large water bills.

There are several reasons for high water consumption and correspondingly high water bills.  An unusually high water bill is most often caused by a leak, faulty fixture, or change in water use.
Some common causes of high usage include:
• A leaking or running toilet
• A dripping faucet can waste gallons of water per day
• Filling a swimming pool or hot tub
• Watering the lawn, new sod, or trees
• Irrigation system leaks, cracks or loose joints in buried lines
• Humidifiers attached to the furnace that are not working correctly
• Sump pumps that have water powered back up
• Kids home for summer vacations or school holidays; extended stay guests
• Water‐cooled air conditioners
• A broken water pipe or obvious leak, check the pipes in the basement or crawlspace
• Water heater could be leaking
• Running the water to avoid freezing water pipes during cold weather

Things to check if you receive a bill that’s higher than usual

CHANGES IN YOUR WATER USE
Having household guests for the holidays, college students home for summer months, watering your lawn, power washing, more laundry than usual, or anything else out of the ordinary may account for an increase in your water bill.

CHECK FOR LEAKS
Leaks can waste hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water. It is important to routinely check your plumbing and home for leaky faucets, toilets, and outside taps and irrigation lines.

OUTDOOR AND UNDERGROUND LEAKS
Leaks can also occur in harder to find places, such as under your home or crawl spaces.  Also, check outdoor spigots and irrigation systems, and look for wet spots in your yard, which may indicate a leak.

TOILET AND FAUCET LEAKS
The most common cause for a high water bill is running water from your toilet.  A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day or more depending on the volume flowing down the drain.  Fix leaking toilets as soon as possible.

DIY TOILET ASSESSMENT
Check for a deteriorated or defective flush valve/flapper at the bottom of the toilet tank.  If it does not make a tight seal water will continuarlly leak into the toilet bowl.

Steps to check for a leaky toilet:
Obtain FREE dye strips from City Hall.  
1)  Take the lid off of the tank behind the bowl, flush the toilet, and then wait for it to fully refill.
2)  Put the dye strip in the tank.
3)  Wait approximately 20 minutes (longer if you suspect it is a small leak)
4)  If there is any color in the toilet bowl, there is a leak.

The second most common type of leak has to do with an improperly adjusted or broken fill (ballcock) valve. To check for this take the lid off of the toilet tank, flush, and see if water is draining into the overflow tubes when the tank is full.

IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
During the summer irrigation systems are a common source of high water use. Watering times generally double during the summer months compared to the winter.  Automated irrigation systems should be checked regularly to be sure they are functioning properly and have no leaks or broken sprinkler heads. If a sprinkler valve sticks on, it could waste an extremely large quantity of water. The irrigation timer may not be programmed properly; i.e., sprinklers are watering too often and/or for too long.  Reprogramming may be necessary if the power has been off.


WHAT CAN YOU DO IF YOUR BILL IS UNUSUALLY HIGH?
If you receive a bill that you feel is too high, check over the common causes listed above. This may help to pinpoint the source of the high bill.  The city’s utility billing program detects unusually high bills, and will schedule a "re-read" to confirm the reading and for public works staff to check the meter for a leak.  If you feel that your bill is too high and you have not been contacted by the City about it, call (816) 690-3773 ext 1002. City staff will schedule the meter reading to be rechecked. If the meter reading is checked and found to be accurate, you may need to contact a plumber or other professional to help determine the source of a leak. Property owners are responsible for all private service water lines from the public water main to the residence and for leaks inside the home.

Being overall more energy efficient in your home may help lower your water usage.  According to the EPA, the average American family spends more than $1,000 per year in water costs but could save almost $400 per year from using more energy-efficient appliances, which can cut water usage by 20% or more.  Some examples are:

  • Low-Flow Toilets: Low-flow toilets use significantly less water per flush compared to traditional toilets. Some models even have dual-flush options.
  • High-Efficiency Washing Machines: These washing machines use less water and energy compared to older models because they have improved drum designs and water-saving settings.
  • Low-Flow Showerheads: Low-flow showerheads reduce water flow while maintaining adequate pressure, resulting in less water usage during showers without the need to cut down the length of the shower.
  • Faucet Aerators: Faucet aerators mix air with the water stream, reducing flow while maintaining water pressure, which is particularly useful for bathroom and kitchen faucets.
  • Tankless Water Heaters: Tankless water heaters heat water on demand, eliminating the need for a storage tank and reducing standby energy losses associated with traditional water heaters.
  • Smart Irrigation Systems: These systems use weather data and soil moisture sensors to optimize outdoor watering, preventing overwatering and reducing water wastage in landscaping.
  • Dishwashers With Soil Sensors: Some modern dishwashers are equipped with soil sensors that adjust water usage based on the cleanliness of the dishes, reducing water waste.
  • ENERGY STARⓇ Appliances: ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, are designed to cut water usage.
  • Dual-Flush Toilet Conversion Kits: These kits can be installed on existing toilets to add a dual-flush option, allowing users to choose between a low-water flush for liquid waste and a higher-water flush for solid waste.