Saving Money On Water - Was It Worth It?
Welcome to Saving Money with Andrew!
Earlier this year, we switched to a smart sprinkler controller that uses local weather forecasts to determine when watering is unnecessary, skipping watering on certain days. The controller cost $100 and our sprinkler company helped us set it up when they turned on our sprinklers for the spring.[1] At the time, I estimated the controller would reduce our water usage by about 19,000 gallons per year.
Last week, we received our first post-installation water bill. From May to September, we used 59,000 gallons of water, which cost $100 (at a rate of $1.70 per 1,000 gallons). During that same period last year, we used approximately 73,000 gallons, which cost $182 (at a rate of $2.50 per 1,000 gallons). The total savings was 14,000 gallons, or $82. Our local utility charges lower rates per gallon at lower usage levels, so our savings was significantly greater than expected.
The experience taught me a few things:
Suburban households use more water on the lawn than any other household activity, so any savings there has a big impact, both financially and environmentally.
If you have even a small lawn (our property is pretty small), the payback period for a correctly set-up smart sprinkler (we use the Orbit B-Hyve and Wirecutter has plenty of great recommendations) is short. Our reduced usage will likely pay back the cost of the controller and installation in just a year.
Conservation can save you a lot of money, while also making your household much greener. While you’re at it, make sure to swap all of your lightbulbs for LEDs and consider switching to a gas dryer.
And now…Andrew’s pick(s) of the week:
An incredible story, sad and uplifting at the same time: 52 Years in 11 Days: A Son, Facing Death, Finds His Father
How are young rich kids buying fancy NYC apartments for pennies on the dollar? A great story about a terrible policy mistake that will almost assuredly remain unfixed.
Finally, “Don’t Lose Sight” by brother/sister duo Lawrence is a fun, catchy and upbeat single from earlier this year that, somehow, has only 71,000 listens on YouTube.
I hope this has been helpful. If you liked it, please share it on social media! Also, please send me your feedback, requests, and success stories.
[1] In retrospect, I think we probably could have set it up ourselves, but it seemed daunting at the time.