Plumbing GPD Calculation

Bill Calculations

• Almost all water utility providers include the total monthly consumption on your bill. In some cases, the utility will even provide the daily water use right on the paperwork. If it doesn't break down your daily use, you can still figure it out. Take the total monthly consumption and divide it by the number of days in the month to figure out your average daily consumption. For example, consumption of 1,000 gallons in a month that has 30 days means your average water consumption per day is about 33 gallons.

Online Calculators

• Many online calculators have built-in formulas for estimating the number of gallons per day that your house consumes. CSG Network website contains a scientific calculator that factors in the number of bedrooms, people and fixtures inside your house. Online calculators can provide a rough estimate of how much water a house uses, which can be helpful when purchasing a new home or while trying to save water. Keep in mind that most calculators provide estimates only.

Calculating Waste

• Knowing how much water is wasted each day through dripping faucets and other plumbing fixtures can put your daily water use in perspective. For example, a house with one leak that drips 20 drops per minute can lose up to 694 gallons per year. Larger leaks, such as 60 drops per minute, can lose up to 2,082 gallons per year. A leaking toilet can be even more wasteful, losing up to 25,000 gallons per month or more.

Ways to Limit Daily Consumption

• If you are conservation-minded, saving water each day can lower your utility bill and prevent waste. Consider limiting your use of water in household appliances, such as the washing machine. The permanent press cycle fills the tub twice, which requires up to 20 additional gallons of water. Limiting showers to about 5 minutes per person per day also lowers consumption. A single 5 minute shower uses about 12.5 gallons of water. Also consider shutting off the faucet when brushing your teeth, rather than leaving the water flowing while brushing. Small changes can add up to real savings on your water bill.