How much water does a toilet or shower really use?
An average residential home in Mecklenburg County uses 7 Ccfs (5,236 gallons) a month.
Average person uses 80-100 gallons of water a day, mostly in the bathroom.
Two people typically use 4,480-5,600 gallons a month.
Flush the toilet
- 3.5 - 7 gallons per flush. 6 flushes a day = up to 1,176 gallons a month
- 1.6 gallons with a water saving toilet . = up to 268 gallons a month
10-minute shower
- 3.0 gallons a minute 3 showers a day = up to 2,520 gallons a month
- 1.2 gallons with a low-flow showerhead = up to 1,008 gallons a month
- Tub bath minimal water level = 10 to 15 gallons
Washing Machine - 40.9 gallons per load 6 loads of in a month = 245.4 gallons a month
Dishwasher - 9.3 - 20 gallons per load 6 loads in a month = 55.8 -120 gallons a month
Kitchen Faucet - 10.9 gallons a day = 327 gallons a month
Measuring Flow Rates at Home
* Hold a plastic sandwich bag tightly around your showerhead or faucet.
* Turn water on completely for 10 seconds.
* Pour water from the bag into a measuring cup.
* Multiply the measured amount by six to get the flow rate-per-minute.
How do you know the age and flush volume of your toilet?
If your residence was built after 1992, then the toilet probably uses 1.6 gallons per flush, as required by code. Toilets built from 1980 – 1992 typically use 3.5 gallons per flush. Prior to 1980, toilets were designed to use five to seven gallons per flush. There are two places on your toilet to check for age or flush volume:
The date the toilet was made should be stamped on the inside of the tank lid.
The gallons per flush rate is stamped on the bowl rim.
Gallons Per Flush
Before 1980 5 to 7 Gallons
1980 – 1992 3.5
Since 1992 1.6
Where Does My Plumbing Begin?
The Property Owner maintains water pipe from end of meter box to buildings. The property owner is responsible for pipes and fixtures in the buildings and wastewater pipes until the edge of street or street right-of-way. View a detailed pdf.
What are Utilities Responsibilities?
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities maintains water meter up to and including meter yoke assembly, meter box, and water and wastewater pipes under the street and street right-of-way or easements.
What Should I Put Down the Disposal?
YES– small amounts of everyday small scraps and pitless fruit
NO– bones, peels, animal fats, left-over grease, olive oil, vegetable oil, motor oil, eggshells, coffee grounds, noodles, rice, pasta, flour, fruit pits, corn husks, celery, potato skins (peels), avocado skins, artichoke leaves, shrimp shells, or asparagus or other fibrous foods.
Learn more.
Sink disposals, if used like trashcans, will clog over time and cost a lot to repair. Please put leftover food in trash. Review your disposal manual for more information.
HALLOWEEN - Carving a pumpkin into a happy or scary jack-o-lantern? Compost or trash the sticky ‘pumpkin guts.’ Pouring them in the disposal can clog plumbing and lead to a ghoulish mess.
Things that should NEVER go down the drain or be flushed down a toilet:
- Prescription drugs
- Paper products other than toilet paper (paper towels, diapers, mail)
- Toys
- Leftover cleaning supplies