How to Use the Household Water Use Calculator
Ever look at your water bill and wonder if your household uses more than average? This calculator is based on EPA and USGS estimates of average indoor water use per person per day in the US (roughly 82 gallons), and turns your household size and lifestyle into an estimated daily and monthly total.
Lifestyle is split into three levels: frugal (80% of the baseline, for water-saving habits like shorter showers and full laundry loads), average (the baseline as-is), and heavy use (120% of the baseline, for frequent showers and laundry). More people in the household, or a heavier-use lifestyle, both scale up total water use proportionally.
These numbers are national averages and only an estimate — actual household water use depends on things like dishwasher and washing machine frequency, lawn watering, and whether you have pets. For an exact figure, check the usage reading on your water utility bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's based on EPA and USGS estimates of average indoor water use per person per day in a typical US household. Your actual usage can be higher or lower depending on shower length, laundry frequency, and appliance efficiency.
Shorter showers, low-flow fixtures, and running the washing machine and dishwasher only with full loads can each cut daily use by 10-20% or more without much lifestyle change.