How Much Water Does an Average Household Use Per Day?

Water is an essential resource for our daily needs and activities. However, most of us have no idea how much water we use. Understanding how much water we use as a household can help us become more conscious of our consumption and take steps towards conserving this precious resource, making our lives more environmentally sustainable, more resilience and lowering our cost of living.

Did you know, whilst it may seem like water is abundant, only around 1% is actually available, on land, for human consumption. The rest is in the oceans and ice-caps. Furthermore, that water is not all where we want it. Utilities globally spend many millions of dollars conveying water from accessible water sources, via treatment plants, to our homes and businesses. That infrastructure must provide the necessary capacity to meet demand, and as populations grow, and economies develop, that demand increases. For many of us, how much water you use depends on how much can be delivered to us by the utility. 

Let’s delve into the specifics of household water usage and explore how this varies depending on who you are and where you live.

Table of Contents

How Much Water Usage Is Normal?

What is the average household water usage per day in America?

Lets first discuss America. Like many things, even if we’re not actually in the USA, it is handy to benchmark our usage relative to the Americans.  If you are in the USA, then this allows us to measure our own performance against the average. 

According to the US EPA, the average American household uses more than 300 gallons of water per day. This is a little over 1,100 litres. Around 70% of this water is used indoors. This includes the water used for drinking, cooking, bathing, doing laundry, and other household tasks. The other 30% is used outdoors, with that percentage increasing in drier areas.

These numbers are the direct consumption of water by households. It is easy to overlook the fact that we also utilize water in in-direct ways. For example, we rely on water for our food production, growing plants and meat, and processing foods; the production of materials and products that we use every day; the efficient operation of our businesses; the amenity of our gardens and parklands. Additionally, an enormous quantity of water is necessary to fulfill the country’s energy requirements.

It is very difficult to quantify all of these in-direct uses of water at the household level, however the US Geological Survey (USGS) keeps data on the total water usage across the country which can give us an indication. As of 2015, they say that in total, the USA used 322 billion gallons of water per day!

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that there were 124,010,992 households in America over 2017 – 2021. 

This gives us 2596.5 gallons (just under 10,000 litres) of water per household, per day in America, with all in-direct consumption across the nation considered. Of course, this is not an accurate method of calculating household water usage, but it gives us an indication. What an immense amount of water!

How does the average American household water usage compare globally?

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), In 2021, over 2 billion people live in water-stressed countries. They also state that this is expected to be exacerbated in some regions as result of climate change and population growth.  

The Sphere Handbook, which provides a globally recognised humanitarian charter and set of minimum standards in humanitarian response, states that the minimum amount of water per person, per day, should be no less than 15 litres (4 gallons). For a household of 4 people, that is 60 litres or (16 gallons). 

This is of course the minimum that is considered acceptable from a humanitarian standpoint globally. Most people that are not in a humanitarian crisis will be way above this, however it is a mere 5% of the average US household consumption. 

This perhaps gives us some feel for the upper and lower ends of the household water spectrum across the globe. People and households around the globe fall within that range, or perhaps slightly above or below depending on their situation, the local economy, the local climate etc.  

Also, Statistica reports that per capita water withdrawal is highest in the U.S., with the average American withdrawing roughly twice the per capita withdrawal in Japan, and four times more than in Germany. Withdrawal being the amount of water diverted from the source which is slightly higher than consumption since water is lost or wasted before it is consumed.

How much do people in America pay for water on average?

Whilst water may seem abundant in America, utilities must charge customers to build and maintain the infrastructure that is required to deliver the water to them from the source, in a quantity and quality that customers expect.

The cost of water varies significantly depending on location. The drier states, or states that have to transfer water over long distances, will have higher rates than those where water is more readily available.

Statistics from Wisevoter show the vast differences in average water bills across America. The cheapest average monthly water bill being that of Wisconsin at $18. The most expensive being West Virginia at $91 per month.

How does the average American household water bill compare globally?

According to the NUS Consulting Group’s global survey and analysis, water prices are rising beyond inflation rates in countries that are experiencing water shortages and implementing efforts to improve water quality.

Water affordability varies across the globe, again, dependent on the cost to produce and deliver water and the reliability of source water supply. 

The Global Water Forum reports that for those on above median incomes, in rich countries, water bills represent just 2% or less of a household’s expenditure. For low-income households, this is more likely to be 5% or more of expenditure. Furthermore, high-income countries often provide subsidies or rebates to ensure affordability. 

By contrast, the cost of water in low-income countries is typically much higher, as a proportion of income. This often leads to illegal connections to the water supply network, exacerbating non-revenue water and the cost to the utility of providing the services becomes less, and less efficient. As a result, the service level drops and customers cannot rely on the water quality or quantity. 

Factors Affecting Household Water Usage

Does the number of people in a household affect water usage?

Yes! The more people in a household, the more water is used and greater the cost. Each additional person adds to the overall water demand. You can calculate how the number of people in your house impacts the total water usage, and therefore the cost of water, using our Household Water Usage Calculator.

How does the type of house (single-family, apartment, etc.) affect water usage?

Yes, the type of house can impact water usage. A family home for example will often have larger yard than that of an apartment which may require more water to maintain. Some apartments have shared laundry facilities that consume less water on an individual basis. Older houses will have less efficient fixtures and appliances and may even leak more water than new houses.

How much does leakage contribute to a household’s water usage?

The US EPA reports that for the average household in America, leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water per year (38 kilolitres), and 10% of homes have leaks that waste more than 90 gallons (340 litres) per day!

For many developing countries, the condition and quality of plumbing is considerably worse than in America and therefore these numbers may be much higher. 

Water leakage from faucets, toilets, or pipes can lead to substantial water wastage. Fixing leaks promptly should be a first priority in reducing water consumption.

Calculating Water Usage

How can households measure their daily water usage?

There are a few approaches to understanding your household’s water usage.

• On a metered system, a household can measure daily water usage by reading the water meter at the beginning and end of a specified time period. The difference in readings represents the water used during that period. For example, you might read it at 4pm Sunday, 4pm Sunday the next week, and divide the result by 7 to get a daily usage.
• You can review the details in your water bill. Utilities charge differently depending on their local rules and policies, but typically there will be a fixed rate and a variable rate based on consumption. They will use a meter to calculate consumption over the billing period. 
• You can use our Household Water Usage Calculator. This is a very handy tool for both calculating water usage in a home, and for determining the best way of reducing consumption. You can play with the numbers to see where the biggest opportunities are for your household.

How does water usage vary depending on the season?

In most climates, water usage will vary through the year. Water usage tends to increase in the summer, or drier months due to higher outdoor water demand for activities like watering lawns and filling swimming pools etc. 

Tips for Saving Water at Home

What are some easy ways to reduce your water usage?

Reducing your household’s water usage can be as simple as adopting some simple habits at home. For example, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, only running full loads in dishwashers, and washing machines, and fixing any leaks promptly.

Many of these strategies do not compromise your comfort and lifestyle in anyway. They are simply about being mindful of water and thinking about your usage.

Have a look at the Ways To Save Water At Home page for some great ideas.

How do water-efficient fixtures and appliances affect household water usage?

Water-efficient fixtures and appliances, such as low-flow toilets, aerated faucets, and water-efficient washing machines, can significantly assist in reducing a household’s water usage. Smart choices can help to conserve water without compromising on performance. Every Drop Saved has many articles on this topic and we encourage you to explore the site.

Also, if you’re in the US you can refer to the WaterSense label system here. In Australia you can refer to the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme here. These systems give you a great guide to assist in making good decisions. 

What should households know about water conservation programs and incentives?

In many countries, local water authorities offer programs, incentives, and rebates to encourage water conservation. These can provide financial assistance for water-efficient upgrades and can help to educate households about reducing water usage. 

The great thing about these initiatives is that they actually do incentivise you to reduce water. It is an easy win, when you know what is offered. 

How can households detect and fix water leaks to reduce waste?

Regularly inspection of faucets, toilets, connections to appliances, garden irrigation systems and pipes will help you identify leaks and promptly have them fixed. Even small leaks can add up to significant water loss over time.

Are there alternative water sources available?

Perhaps consider alternative water sources like rainwater harvesting systems or graywater recycling. These systems can allow you to reduce or even eliminate your dependence on utility water. There may be some cost initially, but the savings will pay for your investment over time.

Have a look at the Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting and the Greywater Reuse pages for more information.

Understanding the Impact of Water Usage

What are the environmental consequences of excessive water usage?

Reducing water consumption reduces the energy and infrastructure required to process and deliver water to your homes. It also reduces the embodied energy required in all of that infrastructure.

Depending on your local context, there are likely many localised environmental impacts associated with water usage.

Reducing your usage and working towards home water self-sufficiency is a great way of protecting our environment.  

In times of drought, how does household water usage contribute to water shortages?

During times of drought, household water usage becomes crucial in managing the water shortage. You’ll often find significant publicity from the utility around this when these times arrive. It is prudent to implementing water conservation measures at your home prior to the water shortage, and if you are subject to water rationing, you could already be self-sufficient for essential household water needs.

How does excessive water usage affect the cost of water bills?

Excessive water usage leads to higher water bills due to increased consumption. By reducing overall water usage, households can lower their bills and save money in the long run. Furthermore, price forecasts for many areas anticipate increasing costs due to water scarcity and population growth strains on infrastructure capacity.

A Final Thought

Understanding how much water an average household uses per day is an important step towards understanding your own consumption habits and therefore assisting in your efforts to reduce consumption.

As you’ve discovered, the questions of how much water an average household uses per day is not a straightforward one. It depends greatly on where the average is taken. How that relates to your consumption then depends on what the local utility service levels are and what your habits and choices are. 

We’ve also discussed how implementing water-saving strategies, investing in efficient appliances, and being mindful of our daily water usage, can all contribute significantly to reducing water consumption at the household scale.

FAQs

Q: How much water does an average household use per day?

A: On average, an American household uses about 300 gallons of water per day. However, this is not a straightforward answer and depends on many factors. Read the article to find out more.

Q: How is household water use measured?

A: Household water use is typically measured in gallons per day, or litres per day. It is also measured over long time periods such as a household’s monthly water usage.

Q: What are some common uses of water in a household?

A: Some common uses of water in a household include drinking, cooking, bathing, washing dishes and laundry, watering plants, washing car etc. A considerable amount of water is often lost to leakage also.

Q: How much water does the average person drink per day?

A: According to Harvard Health, for healthy individuals, the average daily drinking water for men is about 15.5 cups and for women about 11.5 cups. That might mean you need only four to six cups of plain water, depending on other fluid sources such as coffee, tea, juice, fruits, and vegetables.

This is a tiny percentage of overall household water usage.

Q: How much water does the average family use for bathing and showering?

A: Average shower water usage in the US is 11.1 US Gallons per person per day.

Q: How much water does the average person use for flushing the toilet?

A: Average toilet water use is 14.2 US Gallons per person per day. 

Q: How much water does a washing machine use per load?

A: Average washing machine water is 9.6 US Gallons per person per day.

Q: How much water does a dishwasher use per cycle?

A: Average dishwasher water is 17 Litres per person per day. 

Q: How can I reduce household water use?

A: Some ways to reduce household water use include fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, taking shorter showers, and watering lawns and plants efficiently.

Q: Is it possible to run out of water in a household?

A: If you are connected to the utility supply, this is unlikely. If they are approach water shortages and require rationing, you should be informed well ahead of the time.  However, it is still advisable to be mindful of your water consumption and minimise usage wherever possible. It also a great idea to install rooftop rainwater harvesting to reduce or remove your dependence on the utility supply.