Water bills are affected by the actual consumption on your meter. Simple conservation efforts can significantly reduce your monthly charges. And there are other reasons to conserve. At times of peak demand, as millions of gallons are being pumped out to water lawns, fill pools and run high-use appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, the current delivery system can be strained to near capacity, potentially causing a threat to emergency water pressure needed by the fire department. With more and more people moving to Missoula, prudent observance of watering schedules and reduction of unnecessary or wasteful water use will help keep our water flowing.

Here are some things you can do to help:

On the inside:

• If your house doesn’t have a water meter, ask Mountain Water Company to install one. Conservation rises dramatically in metered homes and offers many people the opportunity to decrease their water bills. Contact customer service for details.
• Fix all leaky faucets. – A single drop per second wastes 2,400 gallons per year.
• Take shorter showers.
• Install water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors.
• Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush.
• Check your toilet for leaks.
• Put a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner allows you to use less water with each flush.
• Do not use your toilet for an ashtray or wastebasket.

  On the outside:

• Water your lawn only when it needs it.
• Deep-soak your lawn.
• Water during the cool parts of the day.
• Adhere to sprinkling schedules.
• Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings.
• Landscape with plants adapted to our climate. – They use less water and they’re easier to grow.
• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.
• Don’t water the gutter.
• Use a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps.
• Don’t run the hose while washing your car.
• Teach your children that your hose and sprinklers are not toys.

WATER CONSUMPTION CHART