How to Save Money on Your Water Bill with Smart Plumbing Tips

Water is a precious resource, especially in Texas, where drought conditions and rising utility rates can make water bills a significant household expense. For Denton homeowners, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your water bill without sacrificing comfort or efficiency. In this post we explore smart plumbing tips tailored to Texas residents and review why taking proper action is more important now than ever before.

Understanding the Cost of Water in Texas

According to the Texas Water Development Board, the average Texan uses 82 gallons of water per day, with some households using significantly more during peak summer months. In Denton, water rates are tiered, meaning higher usage leads to exponentially higher charges. The average monthly water bill in Denton ranges from $50 to $150, depending on consumption. These numbers truly underline the importance of managing your water usage efficiently to avoid overpaying.

1. Fix Leaks Promptly

The Problem:

Leaks are one of the biggest contributors to high water bills. The EPA estimates that household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually in the U.S., with the average home losing 10,000 gallons of water per year due to leaks.

Pro Tip:

Inspect your home for common leaks in faucets, toilets, and outdoor hoses. Even a small drip can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water annually. For toilets, a simple dye test using food coloring in the tank can reveal if water is leaking into the bowl.

Denton’s water department offers rebates for certain water-saving repairs, such as replacing leaking fixtures. Contact the water department to see if your repairs qualify for a rebate.

2. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

The Problem:

Older fixtures often use excessive water. For example, pre-1994 toilets use 3.5–7 gallons per flush, compared to modern WaterSense-certified models that use only 1.28 gallons. Similarly, traditional showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or more, while water-efficient versions reduce this to 1.5 GPM without sacrificing performance.

Pro Tip:

Replace outdated fixtures with WaterSense-certified options. According to the EPA, switching to water-efficient fixtures can save the average household 13,000 gallons of water per year and reduce annual water and energy costs by $170.

Denton offers rebates for high-efficiency toilets and other water-saving appliances. Check the city’s website for a list of eligible products and application requirements.

3. Install Smart Water Monitoring Systems

The Problem:

Many homeowners are not aware of their water usage habits which can lead to waste. For example, leaving outdoor sprinklers running too long or overwatering your lawn can use up to 1,000 gallons of water per hour.

Pro Tip:

Invest in a smart water monitoring system like Flume or a similar device. These systems track water usage in real time and send alerts if they detect leaks or unusual consumption patterns. By catching water usage issues early, you can prevent high bills and conserve water.

Given Texas’s frequent water restrictions, pairing a smart monitoring system with efficient irrigation practices can keep your landscaping healthy while staying compliant with local regulations.

4. Residential Landscaping

The Problem:

In Denton, outdoor water use accounts for a large portion of residential consumption, especially in the summer. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service notes that 30–50% of residential water use in Texas is dedicated to outdoor irrigation, much of which is wasted due to inefficiencies.

Pro Tip:

Switch to xeriscaping or Texas-native plants that require less water. Using drip irrigation instead of sprinklers can reduce water waste by directly targeting plant roots. Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. This will help you get the most out of your irrigation system. 

The City of Denton offers free irrigation evaluations and rebates for efficient irrigation systems. These resources can help you optimize your outdoor water use and save money.

5. Practice Smart Water Habits

The Problem:

Everyday habits can have a significant impact on water consumption. Running the dishwasher or washing machine with partial loads or leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth wastes gallons of water each day. 

Pro Tip:

Adopt small changes to your daily routine:

• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full.
• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Limit showers to 5 minutes or less.

Take advantage of Denton’s water conservation programs, which include educational workshops and free water-saving tools like faucet aerators and shower timers.

Real Savings for Denton Homeowners

Implementing these water conservation tips can lead to substantial savings. For example:

• Fixing a single leaky toilet can save 30–50 gallons per day.
• Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures can cut usage by 20–30%.
• Smart irrigation can reduce outdoor water consumption by up to 50%.

By combining these strategies, Denton homeowners could potentially save $200–$500 annually on their water bills.

5 FAQs About Saving Money on Water Bills