First up: the fixed charges. Even if you showered once a month and drank from puddles, your utility company still charges you for keeping the water system ready. It’s like paying a gym membership you never use—but with less guilt.
Then comes the usage part, which is where you have some control. A single person typically uses about 35 to 50 gallons per day. That’s enough for showering, flushing, brushing your teeth, and maybe watering that one houseplant that’s still alive.
Curious what that looks like in dollars? Well, if you’re in dry Arizona, your bill might be on the lower end because people conserve like pros. But if you’re in rainy Seattle? Surprisingly, Seattle’s rates can make your wallet cry because they charge higher base fees.
The “Hidden” Water Guzzlers in Your Solo Pad
You might think you’re a water-saving ninja, but your toilet is a secret guzzler. Older toilets use 3.5 gallons per flush. That’s like pouring a giant soda down the drain every time you, uh, do your business.
Leaky faucets are the drama queens of water waste. A leak that drips once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons a year. That’s enough water to fill a small swimming pool, or bathe a herd of very confused cats.
And don’t even get me started on long showers. A 10-minute shower uses about 20 gallons. So if you’re singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” for 20 minutes, you’re basically paying for a water concert.
