Many new homeowners may be curious to see how much their water bill will end up being month to month. Maybe you are renting your first apartment or your first lake house, and you want to know how much it will cost you to provide clean and affordable water all year round.
With the state of our economy today, many of us are finding ourselves pinching our pennies and trying to make every dollar count.
Paying for your utilities month to month is likely just a small expense compared to your rent and/or mortgage rate, so do your part and find ways to limit your water usage.
If you are curious about the cost of running water in your new apartment or home in Missoula, Montana, then you are in the right place, and we will discuss all the ins and outs of your water consumption.
You may even learn a few tips and tricks that may be helpful when trying to limit your water usage and lower your water bill.
Getting Down to the Nitty-Gritty: Water Rates and Meter Options
The average water price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Missoula will be somewhere around $117.17, but it will further depend on the specifics of your plan and consumption. Check out some of the rates associated with Missoula water utility pricing below:
- You have an option for a flat rate (most common), or a metered rate
- Meters come in sizes, and the utility price will depend on the size you choose for your needs
- Most residents have a base rate of $16.26 with a typical 5/8 inch meter
- Metered residents will have to pay a consumption rate of $1.9156 per 748 gallons of water or 100 cubic feet
- Flat rate customers will be charged based on the number of faucets, toilets, and baths in the house or apartment.
- Installing a meter can only be done by the legal homeowner and is a permanent change to the house
As you can see, there are many different financing options available when deciding whether to do a metered water utility service or using a flat rate.
The secret to knowing what option is best for you is to research how much water you will think you will use and find the plan that suits your personal preferences and needs.
There are many ways to conserve water and limit your excessive consumption of it. This is another great way to make sure that you are not spending extra money on your water bill each month. Check out some ways to limit your consumption of water below.
8 Ways to Limit Your Water Consumption
If you want to learn how to reduce your water bill and conserve the amount of water you use, you have come to the right place. Check out these 8 life-hacks that will help you save water and money.
Fix Faucet Leaks
This one may seem simple, but many people dismiss a tiny leak or will wrap towels around it to prevent a watery mess. Do not leave leaks that will drive up your water consumption prices. Instead, consider investing in professionals like Plumb-Tech in Missoula, a plumbing company dedicated to building your plumbing system the right way and save you money.
Only Wash Large Loads
If your washing machine can handle it, it may be best to consider running one large load daily instead of several small loads. The amount of water that you are using in excess that can be used on more clothes will end up costing you some of your cold, hard cash.
No Long Showers
Hey, we get it. You want to relax after a long day but using excess water in the shower is not cool, and it may cost you a lot of money in the long run. Showers usually make up for 17% of your home’s total water usage according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Reduce this percentage and save more money by taking shorter showers, and find other ways to relax and decompress.
Use a Dishwasher
Many people prefer to do their dishes the old fashioned way, by hand. The EPA, however, claims that handwashing your dishes may use more water than using your dishwasher. Maybe this time it is best to trust the technology we’ve been given, and let it help you save some money.
Install Water-Efficient Toilets
That’s right, they even have toilets that limit your water consumption these days, and you never have to think about flushing money down the drain with a cost-effective toilet. Combine this technology with the next innovation to optimize your cash saving.
Install Water-Efficient Shower Head
If you just can’t give up the length of your shower times, at least do your part in saving water by investing in a shower head that will be cost-efficient and end up saving you money.
Water Your Grass Appropriately
Many people do not take in the factor of the sun when setting their daily grass watering systems, but if you water the grass in a hot part of the day, you may risk some of that water evaporating. Water your grass at night or before the sun rises.
Don’t Leave Running Water
Remember to never leave any water running, even when you are coming back to the room soon. Forgetfulness and negligence like this will cost you money.
Save Money and Invest in Healthy Water Usage
Now that you know what to expect for your monthly water bill and know how to pinch your pennies by conserving your water usage, you will be better prepared in keeping up with your bills and making sure your credit score stays on track.
Do not get behind on your bills because late fees are expensive and remember that the over-use of water utilities in your home will cost you money. Do your part, conserve the water that you extensively use, and keep your utility bills low by taking our above advice, and you will be saving more money in no time!
