You opened your utility bill and your jaw dropped.

Somehow, your sewer charges are nearly as high, or even higher, than your water usage. It feels like you're paying twice for the same gallon. And the worst part? You’re not even sure where that water is going.

Most homeowners are shocked to discover that wastewater fees can make up 50–60% of their total utility bill. And since these charges are often based on assumptions, not actual wastewater output, it’s easy to feel powerless.

In this guide, I’ll break down how wastewater charges are calculated, why they might be sky-high, and what really uses the most water in your home. 

Then we’ll dive into 13+ proven strategies to help you lower those charges—without sacrificing your lifestyle or battling with complex plumbing projects. 

How Wastewater Charges Are Calculated

Believe it or not, most utilities don’t measure how much wastewater leaves your home.

Instead, they assume most of your water usage, every gallon from your taps, toilets, showers, dishwashers, laundry, is headed straight down the drain and into the municipal sewer system. That assumption becomes the basis for your wastewater charge.

In reality? That’s not always true.

For example, the water you use to wash your car, water your garden, or fill a pool never touches the sewer system. But unless you have a dedicated outdoor meter or submeter, your utility company has no way of knowing that. So they charge you as if it did.

Some municipalities try to create a more accurate picture by averaging your winter water usage, when irrigation systems are off and outdoor consumption is minimal, and then applying that average year-round. 

But even that method isn’t foolproof. If you had a holiday leak, filled a hot tub, or ran the dishwasher nonstop while hosting family, your "average" could be unfairly inflated.

The bottom line? You're likely paying wastewater fees on water that never entered the sewer line.

Why Your Sewer Charges May Be So High

A few common culprits are driving up your wastewater bill, and they often go unnoticed:

• Leaks, especially silent toilet leaks, can waste thousands of gallons without any visible signs.
  Old or inefficient appliances like 3+ gallon-per-flush toilets or top-load washers use far more water than modern alternatives.

• Outdoor water use, such as lawn irrigation, is often billed as if it’s entering the sewer, even though it’s not.

• Lack of a deduct meter means your utility assumes all water is wastewater.

Even something as simple as a billing error or a miscalibrated water meter can throw your charges off by hundreds of dollars annually.

What Uses the Most Water Indoors?

To reduce wastewater charges, it helps to know where your water is actually going. Here's the breakdown:

• Toilets account for around 30% of indoor water use.

• Showers and laundry follow closely behind.

• And that leaky toilet? It can waste up to 200 gallons a day, especially if the flapper is worn or the float isn’t working properly.

Small inefficiencies stack up fast. That’s why identifying—and fixing—the biggest water hogs in your home is the first step toward meaningful savings.

13 Proven Ways to Reduce Wastewater Charges at Home

1. Install Low-Flow Fixtures and Aerators

This one’s a no-brainer, and surprisingly affordable.

Swapping out old fixtures for low-flow alternatives can cut your water usage by up to 30%, which directly lowers your wastewater volume (and charges). Look for:

• Dual-flush toilets, which let you choose a lower flush for liquids.

• Low-GPM showerheads, which maintain pressure while drastically reducing flow.
  Faucet aerators, which mix air into the stream to save water without affecting usability.

It’s a small investment—often under $100 for the whole house, with quick returns on both your water and sewer bills.

2. Fix the Leaks, Even the Ones You Can’t See

A dripping faucet may seem harmless. But a leaky toilet flapper? That’s a silent budget-killer.

Even a minor toilet leak can waste up to 200 gallons a day, adding hundreds of dollars a year to your utility costs. That water runs down the drain—literally—and your sewer bill takes the hit.

Here’s what to do:

• Use dye tabs or a few drops of food coloring in the tank to detect silent leaks.

• Consider a smart water monitor like Flume or Phyn. These devices track flow patterns and can alert you to hidden leaks in real-time.

One customer reported saving $600 in a single year after installing a smart detector and discovering a slow crawl-space leak they had no idea existed.

3. Run Full Loads in Laundry and Dishwashers

Modern washers and dishwashers are efficient—but only if you use them wisely.

• Always wait until the machine is full before running a cycle.

• Avoid using permanent press or pre-rinse settings unless absolutely necessary.

• Select eco-modes when available—they typically use less water and energy.

You’ll use fewer gallons per clean and reduce wastewater without changing your habits much at all.

4. Avoid Garbage Disposals (They Add to Waste Volume)

Garbage disposals seem convenient, but they come with hidden costs.

Each time you grind food waste, you’re adding solids to your sewer system—and usually flushing extra water to move them through. Over time, this increases both your wastewater volume and the strain on municipal treatment facilities.

A better alternative? Compost food scraps or dispose of them with yard waste when possible. Not only is it more eco-friendly, but it could save you more on your bill than you think.

5. Time Your Usage If Your Utility Has Tiered Billing

Some water providers use time-of-use billing, where rates spike during peak hours or dry seasons.

If your utility uses this model:

• Avoid water-heavy tasks (like laundry or long showers) during peak times.

• Water your garden early in the morning or late at night.

• Fill bathtubs and run dishwashers during off-peak hours.

It might take a little planning, but this tactic alone can drop your water and sewer bills by 10–15%, especially in the summer months. Check with your utility provider to see if you’re in a tiered billing district—and use it to your advantage.

6. Install a Second Water Meter (a.k.a. Deduct Meter)

A deduct meter is a separate water meter that tracks only the water used outdoors.

Since that water never enters the sewer system, a deduct meter tells your utility company not to count it toward your wastewater charges.

• Some cities even offer rebates or bill credits if you install one.

• They're especially useful for homeowners with irrigation systems, pools, or large gardens.

Call your water provider and ask if a deduct meter is available in your area. It's one of the simplest long-term ways to reduce your sewer bill without changing your habits.

7. Harvest Rainwater Instead

Rainwater harvesting is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to cut outdoor water use—and sewer charges.

• Install rain barrels, cisterns, or rain gardens to capture roof runoff.

• Use the collected water for irrigation, garden beds, and even livestock.

At AquaBarrel, we’ve spent years perfecting systems that work with your roof, not against it. One of the biggest mistakes we see? Customers installing rain barrels with overflow ports that are far too small.

8. Switch to Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

You don’t need a desert-themed front yard to reduce water use. Drought-tolerant landscaping can be lush, colorful, and low-maintenance—all while slashing irrigation needs.

• Mulch retains soil moisture and reduces evaporation.

• Native plants require far less water and adapt better to seasonal changes.
  Replace patches of thirsty grass with groundcover, permeable hardscapes, or ornamental beds.

Bonus: some municipalities offer runoff fee reductions or rebates for replacing turf with permeable landscaping.

9. Redirect Sump Pump or A/C Condensate Safely

Here’s a gray area many homeowners overlook—literally.

Water from sump pumps or air conditioning units often gets routed into the sewer system. That can increase your wastewater volume and, in some cities, incur penalties if not handled properly.

That’s why many homeowners ask,

“Can I redirect my sump pump legally?”
The answer? It depends. Local codes vary widely.

In some regions, sump pump discharge must be routed to a storm drain or exterior drain field—not into the sanitary sewer. Improper setup could result in fines or inflated utility charges due to overreporting.

The safest move? Consult with your municipality or a licensed plumber before making changes. If legal, redirecting that water away from the sewer line can reduce your bill and protect your home from backup risk.

10. Reuse Greywater for Landscaping or Toilet Flushing

Greywater—the lightly used water from sinks, showers, and washing machines—makes up a significant portion of your daily water output. And in many states, it’s perfectly legal to reuse this water for irrigation or even flushing toilets, as long as the system meets code.

• Greywater systems can be as simple as a diverter valve or as advanced as fully plumbed, filtered irrigation setups.

• When installed correctly, they divert clean-ish water from the sewer, reducing wastewater volume and charges.

Still, some homeowners worry:

“Is greywater safe?”

 Yes—if it’s properly filtered and never used on edible plants. Avoid water from dishwashers or anything with high grease or chemical content, and stick to biodegradable soaps.

Greywater reuse is especially popular among off-grid homeowners and preppers who want to reclaim control over their water use. And for urban homeowners, it’s a brilliant way to turn waste into savings.

11. Use Composting Toilets (Even Just in Basements)

Let’s talk about a bigger leap—composting toilets.

For homeowners asking,

“Is switching worth it?”
The answer depends on your priorities. But from a wastewater perspective? Absolutely.

Composting toilets produce zero wastewater, which means zero sewer charges for those fixtures. They also eliminate the need for flushing, further reducing water consumption.

Even if you don’t want to go all-in, installing a composting toilet in a basement, workshop, or guest cabin is a smart partial solution that can knock a noticeable chunk off your wastewater bill—especially if your home has limited plumbing.

Bonus: no sewer connection means more resilience in power outages or natural disasters.

12. Install Smart Irrigation Systems

If you water your yard regularly, a smart irrigation controller is one of the easiest upgrades with immediate payoff.

• These systems monitor real-time weather, soil conditions, and plant needs to optimize watering schedules.

• They eliminate overwatering and prevent sprinkler systems from running during or after rainfall.

That means less water wasted, and less water billed as wastewater, especially if you don’t have a submeter.

They’re also surprisingly affordable: many units start under $100 and can be installed DIY-style. Several cities even offer rebates for making the switch.

13. Explore Rebates and Audit Programs

Don’t leave money on the table. Many municipalities offer rebates, tax credits, or reduced fees when you upgrade to water-efficient systems.

• You might be eligible for partial reimbursement when you install low-flow fixtures, rain barrels, deduct meters, or greywater systems.

• Some cities even pay for a professional water audit, or refund the cost if you implement their recommendations.

Not sure where to start?

At AquaBarrel, we’ve helped countless customers navigate local rebate programs and get paid to reduce their usage. It’s worth a 10-minute call to your water provider to see what’s available—you might be surprised by what qualifies.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Utility Savings

Wastewater charges are one of those sneaky expenses that quietly eat away at your utility budget month after month. And because they’re often calculated based on assumptions—not your actual sewer output—it can feel like you’re being charged for water you never even used.

But here’s the empowering truth. You can take control.

From low-flow toilets and leak detection to rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse, the strategies we’ve covered aren’t just theoretical—they’re already helping thousands of homeowners slash their sewer bills, conserve resources, and build more sustainable homes.

Whether you’re a gardener trying to stretch every drop, a prepper aiming for off-grid resilience, or simply someone tired of getting surprised by their water bill, these 13+ proven tactics give you the power to take back control.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re looking for the right tools, guidance, or expert advice on setting up rain-harvesting systems, selecting diverters, or avoiding common DIY pitfalls, AquaBarrel is here to help. We’ve been in the trenches with homeowners, contractors, and municipalities for over two decades—and we know what works.

?? Let’s make your next water bill a reason to smile.

AquaBarrel has your back, one barrel, one fitting, one smart choice at a time.