Why Keeping A Bucket In Your Shower May Help Cut Down On Your Water Bill

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, an American household uses around 40 gallons of water every day (or 1,200 gallons a month) to shower. Assuming you have to pay about 3 cents for every 10-gallon usage, showering alone accounts for $3.60 on your monthly water bill. Even though the monthly amount doesn't seem like a lot, this simple activity can add up to $43.20 per year to your water bill. Moreover, if the base rate is higher in your region, the cost can go up significantly. While observing the four-minute shower rule will help you save water, why not go a step further to maximize the shower portion of your utility bill?

To save water in the bathroom and lower your utility bill, don't let the shower run while you wait for the water to heat up. Instead, collect the cold water in a bucket or another large container and use it around the house. This simple act will serve two purposes. One, you can use the saved shower water for other tasks around the house, like watering your houseplants or garden, mopping the floors, washing your dirty shoes, doing your laundry, filling the toilet tank, pouring water down the toilet bowl rather than using the flush mechanism, and washing your car. Less water usage equals a lowered meter reading, effectively helping you cut down on your water bills. Second, you can make your home more water-efficient without going out of your way or incurring additional expenses.

The process is quite simple. All you have to do is position a bucket under your shower head before turning it on so you can use the clean, cold water later on instead of it swirling down the drain. This way, the initial stream won't go to waste, and you can still continually check the water temperature before setting aside the bucket and hopping in. In case you live in drought-prone areas or are really passionate about lowering your water bills, plug your bathtub before turning on the shower to collect most of the water used during the process. Remember, this is only possible if you have a combination tub-and-shower. That being said, strategically positioning the bucket near the shower stream will help you collect plenty of rogue droplets.

However, there are a few tips for using a bucket in your shower to lower your water bills. The first one is using (or buying — a second-hand one will help you save money) a large enough bucket to collect water from the showerhead if you don't have a detachable unit. Next, when the water reaches the ideal temperature for showering, move the bucket out of the way unless the soap and shampoo you use have a low sodium content. Additionally, try to use the collected water within a day and keep the bucket covered to discourage mosquitoes from laying eggs in stagnant water.