[aletarw]

Just got my first water bill. Need to know if it is in line with average. We have a 3bdrm home with very small lot. Sprinkler system runs 3 times a week. There are just two of us who live here. Bill says we used 51,040 gallons for a 3 month period. (11/13 thru 1/09. (We were gone for 1 month of that time.) We live in Glenbrook.

Any idea if this usage is "normal".

[retiredguy123]

17,000 gallons per month is too high. The bill should show separate amounts for potable water and irrigation water. The irrigation amount should be less than 5,000 gallons per month for that period, based on running it 2 times per week for about 15 minutes. The potable water amount really depends on how you use water, but I think most people use less potable water than irrigation water. During the same time period, I used about 10,000 gallons total for 3 months, including potable and irrigation water in a courtyard villa.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by aletarw

Just got my first water bill. Need to know if it is in line with average. We have a 3bdrm home with very small lot. Sprinkler system runs 3 times a week. There are just two of us who live here. Bill says we used 51,040 gallons for a 3 month period. (11/13 thru 1/09. (We were gone for 1 month of that time.) We live in Glenbrook.

Any idea if this usage is "normal".

I am not sure there is a NORMAL. People are different. We get billed monthly as does your area. You averaged 17000 a month. That's much more than we use. That being said.... our irrigation is shut off this time of year. We water as needed. When it is on THE RULES state twice a week only. The water Company will answer any questions.

[CWGUY]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

17,000 gallons per month is too high. The bill should show separate amounts for potable water and irrigation water. The irrigation amount should be less than 5,000 gallons per month for that period, based on running it 2 times per week for about 15 minutes. The potable water amount really depends on how you use water, but I think most people use less potable water than irrigation water.

Homes where they live only have potable water!

[dewilson58]

Not sure of your run times............but three times per week during this time of the year might be a bit much.


Ask your neighbors............they will have the same lot size (more or less) and they can be your gauge (no pun intended).

[LuvtheVillages]

This is winter; the grass doesn't grow now. Many people turn off their irrigation now, or at least reduce to once per week for 15 minutes.

My house water usage is about 1500 gal per month. Irrigation usage varies. December was 1300 gal. Sewer charge is based on house usage.

[CWGUY]

Now you know why I suggest calling the WATER COMPANY.

[rjm1cc]

My water district only allows one watering a week. 2 in the summer. You might check to see if you are in compliance and then check the length of time you water. The length of time will vary according to the type of heads. My guess is you have incorrect setting and are using to much water. You can also turn system off when rain is on the way.

[JoMar]

Originally Posted by rjm1cc

My water district only allows one watering a week. 2 in the summer. You might check to see if you are in compliance and then check the length of time you water. The length of time will vary according to the type of heads. My guess is you have incorrect setting and are using to much water. You can also turn system off when rain is on the way.

There aren't any water police that I know of.

[CWGUY]

[John_W]

...

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by JoMar

There aren't any water police that I know of.

High water use will trigger a letter from the water company. I received one for unusual high irrigation.

[pauld315]

17,000 gallons a month when watering 3 times a week doesn't sound high to me. When I am watering consistently twice a week I will use that much. Our lot is almost 10,000 sq ft. Being north of 466, like the OP, all the water we use is potable.

[Mosells]

Winter once a week 10 minutes per zone. Summer twice a week 15 minutes. Or you can water as you wish.

[Dan9871]

Originally Posted by JoMar

There aren't any water police that I know of.

If your water usage is above what the water company sees as the norm you will get a letter from them telling you that you are using too much water and you should get your system checked. We got a letter once when we were watering every day for plantings.