Milligan Water System, Inc.
CALL US AT 850-537-9131
Conservation & Education
How Much Water Do I Use?
How many customers ask the question "how much water does the average person use each day?. The answer to this question. The answer to this question requires a definition of the average person". In general, per capiti water use ranges from about 40 to 80 gallons per day (gpd). The following chart shows estimates of personal water use:
USE
Average / Person (gpd)
Bathing
15 - 25
15 - 25Sink3 - 5
3 - 5Toilet5 - 15
5 - 15Washing Clothes10 - 20
10 - 20Washing Dishes5 - 10
5 - 10Cooking 1- 2
1- 2Miscellaneous1 - 3
1 - 3Total40 -80
40 -80How Can I Check My Water Usage?
To determine your average daily use or to check your appliance usage, you can read your meter on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis. Simply record your meter reading at the beginning of a measurement period and again at the end of a period. The difference between these two meter readings will be the water used during that period.
If you suspect you have a leak please contact our office at 537-9131.
Have a High Bill, But Don’t See a Leak?
You may have a leak and not know it. The best indication will be a high bill compared to your previous usage. There are often two reasons for mysterious water leaks: a leaking toilet or a leak between the meter and the house. A leaking toilet is the most common cause. Outdoor leaks are rare with the exception of an outdoor faucet that may have frozen over the winter. The first step is to determine whether you have a leak, or are you using more water than you expected. Many customers are surprised how much water can be used for activities such as watering the lawn or washing the car. Below are instructions for checking for mysterious water leaks.
Checking Your Meter for Mysterious Water Leaks
Locate the water meter. The water meter is your indicator of water use. When water is not being used, the numbers on the meter should not move. Most meters have a small “leak detector” arrow, which senses the lower volumes of water common with leaks.
Turn off every item which uses water inside and outside the home or building.
Check the meter. Watch the meter for a minute or more. If the leak detector dial or arrow is moving, you have a leak. You may want to check the main meter reading (numbers) at a set time, and come back an hour later, after you know no water has been used. If it has a higher reading, there is a leak. If you suspect a toilet may be the culprit, turn the water off from the toilet shut-off valve.
Confirm the location of the leak. If the main shut-off is closed and the meter has stopped, the leak is not between the meter and the building. If the meter still runs with the main water shut off, your leak is between the meter and the building. Since outdoor leaks are relatively rare, be sure to double-check that all indoor fixtures and outdoor hose and irrigation lines are off. Call a plumber to fix underground leaks.
Recommended Supply Vendors
Crestview Plumbing & Hardware
(850) 682-2275
Southern Pipe & Supply
(850) 634-4924
https://www.southernpipe.com/
Core & Main
(850) 478-6372
https://locations.hdswaterworks.com/ww/fl/pensacola/32514/025
