What is average?


The water industry estimates that an average person uses 3,000 gallons of water monthly, so a family of 4 would use 12,000 gallons for bathing, cooking, washing, recreation, and watering, but a lot of factors come into play when calculating average use.  So in reality, one person’s usage may be a lot higher or lower than another person’s.  Here are some things to think about, if you suspect your water bill is too high.
 
Households with backyard swimming pools are likely to see a higher water use in months when pools are filled and filtered.
 
Households with lawns or gardens must factor in the amount of water sprinkled on grass, flowers, and vegetables.  Outdoor watering uses 5 to 10 gallons per minute. So in 10 or 20 minutes, you may use 100 gallons – the amount industry experts estimate is used by an average person each day for all personal water needs.  If the climate turns unseasonably dry, expect to use even more water to keep your garden alive and your grass green.
 
A family with fashion conscious teenagers probably washes more clothes more often than an older person who lives alone.  More water is used per load when the machine is set on high.
 
Water Loss Chart


Dripping Faucet  ¼ GPM                  =     10,800 gallons per month
Leaking Toilet     ½ GPM                  =      21,600 gallons  per month
Drip Irrigation       1 GPM                  =      43,200 gallons per month
Watering Garden - 2hrs 5 GPM        =       18,000 gallons per month
Watering Garden – 4hrs  10 GPM    =       36,000 gallons per month
Water Hose – 1 night  15 GPM         =       5,400 gallons per month
Broken Houseline – 1 night               =        8,100 gallons per month
Broken Houseline – 1 day                 =        21,600 gallons per month
Broken Houseline – 1 week               =       151,200 gallons per month
Broken Houseline – 1 month              =       648,000 gallons per month
Stuck Commercial Ice Machine          =       86,400 gallons per month
1 Bath                                                 =      42 gallons
30 Baths                                             =      1,260 gallons
1 Shower                                            =       17 gallons
30 Showers                                         =       510 gallons
Wash 1 load of clothes                        =       45 gallons
Wash 20 loads of clothes                    =        900 gallons
Toilet Flush                                          =        7 gallons
10 Toilet Flushes per day                    =        70 gallons

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