Monthly bills starting to add up? Looking for ways to free up some cash? The best place to start is with your water bill. It isn’t necessarily the most expensive bill, but it is one of the easiest to save on. Let’s take a look at what your bill is comprised of and how to save some money on your water bill.

Water Cost Components

There are two parts to every water bill. The first is a fixed charge for the water supply. This is currently $271.40 per year. Even if you do not have water coming into your house through the water supply, an abuttal charge applies because the infrastructure is there for you to use now and in the future.

The second part is the charge you pay for the water you use. This is a variable charge, meaning the more water you use, the more dollars you pay. For example, the Tier 1 daily threshold is 0-0.3836 kL. For anything within that bracket, you pay the price of $1.945/kL. If you go over that, you jump to the Tier 2 bracket of $2.775/kL. The charge is averaged over between the meter readings and not on a day-to-day basis.

Average Water Costs

One 2020 survey found the average water bill to be $324 per quarter in South Australia. In the summer months, this bill tends to go up, and in winter months, it tends to go down. It is also impacted by pipe leaks, your water habits, and if you have water-saving appliances and faucets.

Tips for Cutting Costs on Your Bill

There are many things that people can do to reduce their water bills. Here are a few ideas. Not only do these methods help you save on your bill, but they are also good for the environment.

Gardening and plants. Water plants at dawn or dusk to stop evaporation in the hotter parts of the day.

Showers. Take short showers, and look at installing a water-saving showerhead. These showerheads cut your water usage by at least half.

Upgrade your appliances. If you are not using an ENERGY STAR dishwasher and washing machine, it may be time to upgrade to one. This can save 95 or more litres per load you wash.

Stop the leaks. If you have leaky pipes or faucets, fix these leaks. If you are unsure of what to do, check with a plumber. These leaks can cause you to lose 60 L of water consumption per day.

Turn off the tap. When brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap, and then turn it back on to rinse or wash to save litres of water each time.

These simple steps to conserve water can stop you from jumping into the Tier 2 bracket on your water bill. Finding and fixing a leak can sometimes be tricky, but it certainly can help you save on your water costs. Check with a plumber if you need some help with your appliances and faucets.