Your toilet could save you money

Water conservation is important all the time, but it's very important as we continue to move into the summer months. Despite recent rains, there is still a major concern for the stream flows that feed our reservoirs. According to a recent review from the National Weather Service, a significant drop in rainfall over the summer months will result in low stream flows, thus limiting the amount of refill in reservoirs. Continued conservation is critical in helping to ensure an adequate water supply throughout the year.  

Fixing leaks is often an easy and inexpensive way to get some remarkable water savings, but did you know that replacing fixtures can produce savings as well? For example, a family of three that replaces toilets using five gallons per flush with new ones, which use 1.6 gallons, could save more than 15,000 gallons or about $100 per year. Toilet use accounts for about 30 percent of water used in the home. Find other ways you can conserve water.


Toilet age and flush volume    

Estimated water use per year by 3 people

Estimated water and sewer cost*

5 gallons
(generally pre-1980)

23,000 gallons

$149

3.5 gallons
 (generally 1980-1993)

16,100 gallons

$104

1.6 gallons
(low-flow toilet, since 1994)

7,400 gallons

$48


*Water and sewer cost based on 2008 quarterly residential "10th through the 30th units" rate at $2.15 per unit plus the sewer volume charge of $2.70 per unit, for a total of $4.85 per 748 gallons.