Start by dividing your bill by the number of people in your home. If you’re paying more than $25 per person per month, something’s off. That’s the sweet spot for normal indoor use (showers, dishes, drinking, and the occasional plant murder).
Water and Wastewater Rates - MNWD
Second, look at your usage in gallons. Most utilities charge by the “unit,” which is 100 cubic feet—about 748 gallons. A typical single person uses 2 to 3 units per month. So if you see 6 units, you either have a leak or you’re secretly opening a car wash in your garage.
“But I’m a water-saver!” (Are you sure?)
I used to think I was thrifty because I turned off the tap while brushing my teeth. But then I timed my shower: 12 minutes. At 2 gallons per minute, that’s 24 gallons per shower, or 720 gallons a month just for my morning sing-along. Add dishwashing, laundry, and the three times I watch the sink run while I “look for the sponge,” and suddenly $50 doesn’t sound so innocent.
Here’s some irony for you: most people spend more on Netflix and takeout than they do on water. So if your bill is $80 for a family of two, don’t panic—just check if your teenager is taking “oceanic” showers. (You know who you are, Kevin.)
