How Much Water Does One Person Use Each Day?
Whether you are looking to reduce your water bills, be more environmentally aware or simply curious, you may have wondered how much water one person uses each day. The estimates may vary according to your geographical area, the home you live in and your lifestyle.
Average Domestic Water Consumption:
According to the USGS, the average person uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water each day. While this figure may be higher than you realized, you may be shocked to know that the majority of this water usage is attributed to flushing toilets. Most older model toilets can use 3 gallons per flush while newer more efficient models have reduced this usage to between 1.2 and 1.6 gallons for each flush. The next largest water usage in the home is attributed to showers and bathing. Although most people recognize that a bath uses far more water, showers can also contribute to large water bills. A full bath tub uses approximately 36 gallons, but older showers can use up to 4 gallons per minute. This means that if you enjoy long hot showers you could use the same amount of water as if you had taken a bath. There are water savings to be made with new shower systems which can cut water usage to between 2 and 2.5 gallons per minute.
There are other habits which can also contribute to high water usage. These include leaving the faucet running while washing your hands or brushing your teeth. A faucet can use approximately 1 to 2 gallons per minute, so it is very easy to waste a gallon even during simple tasks such as brushing your teeth.
Many homeowners should also consider the water usage of their appliances. Older clothes washers can use up to 40 gallons per load, so you could save up to 15 gallons each load by upgrading to a new model. You may also wish to consider whether it is more preferable to wash your dishes by hand or using a dishwasher. Hand washing can use between 2 and 4 gallons for each minute you run the faucet. This can be far greater when compared a modern dishwasher.
Don’t Forget Drinking Water:
Another consideration for how much water you may be using each day is your drinking water. Health experts recommend that drinking water is the best way to replenish fluid levels and assist your body in removing toxins from your vital organs. According to the Institute of Medicine, the adequate water intake is approximately ¾ gallon or 3 liters each day for men and approximately ½ gallon or 2.2 liters for women. While this is not a significant amount compared to taking a bath, over the course of a month, it could account for 15 to 20 gallons per person in your household.
By being aware of how much water you are using, it is possible to make some basic changes and save water, reducing your water bills and your carbon footprint.
About The Author:
Greg Scott is President of Valparaiso based Miracle/EcoWater Systems, the premier water conditioning company in Northwest Indiana serving the Lake, Porter and LaPorte County areas. A 3rd generation water treatment professional, Greg grew up in the family owned business started by his grandfather in the late fifties. He has made water treatment his life and under his direction and high-standards, the company’s water treatment experience, knowledge, and products are unrivaled in region.