Fun Facts About Water Usage
How much water do I use?
Many customers ask this question. The "average person" uses generally between 40 and 80 gallons per day (gpd) in the eastern United States. In order to understand the several ways in which each person uses water, the following chart illustrates where your water goes:
Type of Use User per person per day (gpd)
Shower/tub 15-25
Sink 3-5
Toilet 5-15
Washing Clothes 10-15
Washing Dishes 5-10
Cooking 1-2
Miscellaneous 1-3
Total 40-80
It should be noted that certain customers would use more or less than these average values.
In addition to these types of in-house uses, the outside uses of water such as car washing, walks, driveways, lawn sprinkling and irrigation, etc., varies considerably.
For example, a 5/8" hose will normally discharge at a rate of 3 to 5 gallons per minute. The use of an outside hose for 30 minutes, would consume 90 - 150 gallons or double the use of water within the home during 24 hours.
How much water do my appliances use?
The following list sets forth the average use of certain appliances and fixtures found within the home:
Type of Fixture Usage (gallons)
Washing Machine 25-40
Dishwasher 15-30
Bathtub 25-35
Toilet 1.5 - 6
Shower 3-5 gal. per minute
Sink 2-3 gal. per minute
Outside faucet 3-5 gal. per minute
How can I check my water use?
In order to determine your average daily use or to check you appliance usage, you can read your meter on an hourly, daily or weekly basis. Simply record your meter reading at the beginning of a measurement period. The difference between the two meter readings will be the water used during the period. This audit will provide useful information as to your appliance usage and your water use habits.
Last Updated: Saturday, Aug 23, 2003
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