Texas Homes Use How Much Water?

2 hours ago

Your household may use hundreds of gallons of water every day. But only a small fraction of it ever reaches your glass.

According to research from the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, the average Texas household used approximately 255 gallons of water per day in 2022. That adds up to roughly 7,650 gallons per month and more than 93,000 gallons over the course of a year.

It sounds like an enormous amount of water because it is. But household consumption includes much more than drinking and cooking. Showers, toilets, faucets, laundry, leaks, landscaping, and other everyday activities all contribute to the total.

So where does all that water actually go?

Where 255 Gallons Go

There is no universal formula for household water use. Family size, appliances, plumbing fixtures, landscaping, irrigation habits, and seasonal weather can all affect the total.

However, data from the Environmental Protection Agency provides a useful look at how water is commonly used inside the home. On average, daily indoor water use per person includes approximately:

14.2 gallons for toilets
11.1 gallons for showers
11.1 gallons through faucets
9.6 gallons for clothes washing
7.9 gallons lost through leaks
Smaller amounts for baths, dishwashers, and other uses

For a three-person household, those everyday activities can quickly add up to more than 170 gallons of indoor water use.

Then there is everything happening outside.

The Texas Water Development Board reports that outdoor water use can account for more than 30% of total household consumption. In hot or dry conditions, the EPA says that percentage can climb considerably higher.

Suddenly, 255 gallons does not seem quite as mysterious.

Why Texas Summers Use More Water

Texas summers can place additional demands on household water use. Lawns and landscaping require more attention, swimming pools lose water through evaporation, and people may shower or wash clothes more frequently after spending time outdoors.

Irrigation is often the biggest variable. A sprinkler system can release hundreds of gallons during a single watering cycle, particularly when it covers a large lawn or runs across multiple zones.

Water use may also increase without anyone noticing. A leaking toilet, dripping faucet, damaged sprinkler head, or poorly scheduled irrigation system can waste water every day. According to the Texas Water Development Board, leaks can account for 10% or more of a household water bill.

Because outdoor and seasonal consumption can change so dramatically, two similarly sized homes may receive very different monthly water bills.

Small Changes Can Save Thousands of Gallons

Reducing household water use does not necessarily require a major lifestyle change. A few practical habits can make a meaningful difference:

Check toilets, faucets, appliances, and irrigation systems for leaks
Water landscaping only when necessary and avoid the hottest part of the day
Adjust sprinkler heads so they water plants rather than sidewalks
Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving
Shorten showers by a few minutes
Review your monthly water bill for unexplained increases

Even small changes add up. The Texas Water Development Board estimates that addressing leaks and installing more efficient fixtures can save a household at least 20 gallons per day. That is more than 7,000 gallons over the course of a year.

Make the Water You Drink Count

Although a household may use hundreds of gallons each day, relatively little of that water is consumed directly.

CDC data shows that American adults drink an average of approximately 44 ounces of plain water per day. That is only about one-third of a gallon per person and should not be interpreted as a recommended hydration target.

It is a surprisingly small portion of the water moving through a home. But it is also the water used for drinking, preparing meals, making coffee, and serving the people who matter most.

Understanding your household water use can help you identify waste, make more informed choices, and pay closer attention to the water you consume every day.

NECOA’s 3-filter, 5-stage reverse osmosis system provides purified water on demand, with instant hot, cold, and ambient options for everyday drinking and food preparation.

Your lawn may be responsible for a lot of gallons. The water in your glass deserves just as much thought.

Learn More About Your Drinking Water

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