If you're looking for ways to save money, reducing the water bill might not be a priority. However, did you know that our drinking water system should see numerous infrastructure improvements between now and 2035? The cost of these improvements is predicted to amount to more than $1 trillion, and much of that will get passed down to consumers. Your water bill could easily double – or triple, even if you're living in a rural area.

The best way to prepare for the future would be to start saving money now. In order to help you out, we've come up with a list of 12 tips to save on your water bill.

1. Don't Leave the Water Run

Many people let the water run while they're shaving or brushing their teeth. As you might imagine, this is a complete waste of water. Need to rinse off your razor? Just dip it in the cup of hot water you've prepared beforehand. Of course, you can do the exact same thing with your toothbrush.

2. Keep Cold Water in the Fridge

We all feel like gulping down a glass of cold water once in a while, but that doesn't mean you should walk to your faucet every time you get that craving. Here's the main problem: whenever you turn on the tap, you'll have to wait a while for the water to cool off. Instead of doing that, why not just fill up a pitcher and leave it in your refrigerator? If you use a pitcher with a water filter, all the better!

3. Get a Low-Flow Shower Head

Some older models of shower heads can use as much as 5.5 gpm (or gallons per minute). By comparison, an average low-flow shower head will only use 2.5 gpm. Making the switch could end up reducing your water bill by up to 60%.

4. Take Shorter Showers

On a related note, you could probably stand to reduce your shower time. The difference between a 5-minute shower and a 15-minute one can really make a difference on your water bill. Even with a low-flow shower head, a 15-minute shower will use up 37.5 gallons of water; however, a 5-minute shower will only take up 12.5 gallons. Plus, following through with this tip will help you save money on your other utility bills like gas and electricity.

5. Use Your Dishwasher

Despite what you might have heard, washing your dishes in the dishwater takes less water than hand-washing them. Also, don't bother rinsing the dishes before they go in. Simply scrape all the food from the plates, and have the dishwasher do the rest. If you insist on rinsing the dishes, use a container filled with water instead of running the tap.

6. Wash Full Loads of Dishes

No matter whether you're running a full load or a partial load, your dishwasher will spend the same amount of water to get the job done. Therefore, you should only use the dishwasher if you can fill it up to the brim. You can follow this general procedure with laundry as well; if you run the washer only when you have a full load of clothes, you'll save a surprising amount of water.

7. Consider a Point-of-Use Water Heater

Do you find yourself needing hot water on a regular basis? If so, you might want to install an instant hot water system (otherwise known as a point-of-use water heater) under the kitchen sink. Whenever you turn on the tap, you will immediately get hot water. This neat little tool does cost a couple hundred dollars, so only install it if you're sure you need it.

8. Check for Leaks

According to a report from the National Sanitation Foundation, an average leaky toilet will waste 200 gallons of water in the span of a single day. Fortunately, checking whether your toilet is leaking is actually a fairly simple process. All you have to do is drop a dye tablet into your toilet tank; if the dye makes its way into the bowl, you have a leak on your hands.

9. Put a Bottle in the Toilet Tank

While we're on the subject of toilet tanks, did you know you can save money by filling a plastic bottle with water and placing it in the tank? This will cause your tank to fill with slightly less water, and the exact amount will depend on the size of the bottle. For example, a 30 oz. bottle will save you 30 oz. of water on every flush.

10. Install a Faucet Aerator

The main purpose of a faucet aerator is to limit water flow without reducing the perceived water pressure. Most aerators are easy to install, as you only need to screw them onto the bottom of a faucet. Some of them even allow you to direct the stream wherever you want. Keep in mind that some modern faucets already have built-in aerators, but they're not a common occurrence just yet.

11. Use a Rain Barrel

Watering your garden can make a big impact on your water bill. If you feel like cutting down on your water usage, why not start collecting what nature can provide? Connect a rain barrel to your house's downspout, and you'll be able to collect roof runoff any time it's raining. You can buy a rain barrel anywhere, but you'd probably be better off getting creative and constructing your own barrel from plastic garbage cans.

12. Stay Vigilant

If you make use of some of these tips, you're sure to notice your water bill go down. However, what do you do if there's a sudden increase? First of all, contact your provider and ask for a rereading. This could be a simple error, but it might also be a sign of a leak somewhere in your house. In order to stay up to date, make sure to pay close attention to your water bill each and every month.

The most important thing to remember is that saving money on a water bill is a process. Even if you only save $30 each month, these changes will add up in the long run.

If you suspect a water leak or any other untreated damage that could be causing higher than usual water bills, get in touch with A1 Best Plumbing’s repair service today. Their knowledgeable plumbers are available 24 hours per day and 7 days a week for any plumbing need that may arise.