- Home
- Departments
- Utilities
- How Much Water Do You Use?
How Much Water Do You Use?
Average Comparisons of Normal vs. Efficient Water Use
Data marked with gpf * equals gallons per flush
Data marked with gpm ** equals gallons per minute
1 Real cooking figure will be higher to include boiling water, rinsing utensils and other uses.
2 Laundry figure is based on two full loads per person per week.
Numbers are based on approximate, average household use. Water use will vary with individual habits and lifestyles, differing water pressure and the age and model of appliances.
Bathroom
Activity | Frequency | Circumstances | Water Used | Total / Day |
---|---|---|---|---|
Toilet | 5 Flushes / Day |
| 1.28 gpf* 1.6 gpf 3.5 - 7 gpf | 6.4 gal. 8 gal. 17.5 - 35 gal. |
Shower | Once / Day for 5 minutes |
| 2 gpm** 2.5 - 8 gpm** | 10 gal. 12.5 - 40 gal. |
Bath | Once / Day |
| 9 - 12 gal. 36 gal. | 9 - 12 gal. 36 gal. |
Shaving | Once / Day for 3 minutes |
| 1 gal. 2.2 - 5 gpm** | 1 gal. 6.6 - 15 gal. |
Brushing Teeth | Twice / Day 1 minute each |
| 1.28 gpf** 2.2 gpm** | 1/2 - 1 gal. 4.4 - 10 gal. |
Washing Hands | Twice / Day 1 minute each |
| 1 gpm** 2.2 gpm** 3 - 5 gpm** | 2 gal. 4.4 gal. 10 gal |
Kitchen
Activity | Frequency | Circumstances | Water Used | Total / Day |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cooking | Washing Produce for 3 minutes |
| 1 - 2 gal. 2.2 - 5 gpm** | 1 - 2 gal. 6.6 15 gal. |
Automatic Dishwasher |
| 7 gal. per load 7 - 14 gal. per load | ||
Manual Dish Washing |
| 9 gal. 30 gal. | ||
Laundry |
| 15 - 25 gal. per load 40 - 50 gal. per load |
Outdoors
Activity | Frequency | Circumstances | Water Used |
---|---|---|---|
Lawn Trees & Shrubs | Watering varies | Watering requirements vary with plant species, type of turf, season, region and soil type. Consult your local nursery. Watering your landscape can take thousands of gallons of water a week. | |
Car Wash | One |
| 2 gal. 25 - 50 gal. 10 - 12 gpm** |