Should You Be Conserving Water During The Warmer Months?

As summer temperatures rise in the Midwest, so does your water bill. In Bloomington and surrounding areas, water usage can double during the warmer months, putting strain not just on local resources but on your home’s entire plumbing system, from the outdoor spigots to your water heater and bathroom fixtures.

At Covenant Plumbing, we understand the seasonal challenges homeowners face. In this guide, we’ll explain why conserving water during warmer months is especially important for Bloomington residents and how smart conservation habits protect both your wallet and your plumbing system.

Why Summer Water Usage Spikes in Bloomington

Between May and September, water usage in the Midwest increases, especially in homes with large lawns or gardens. In Bloomington, lawn irrigation alone can account for 50% to 70% of a household’s water use during summer.

While our region is known for humidity, dry spells and heat waves are common, leading to increased outdoor watering and pressure on local water resources.

But it’s not just about the water bill. Increased summer usage also impacts your home:

• Pipes and fixtures experience higher flow rates, accelerating wear and tear
• Water heaters work harder during peak household use
• Hidden leaks and weak pipe joints are more likely to surface under increased demand

By taking action to reduce unnecessary water use, homeowners can avoid costly plumbing problems and support the health of Bloomington’s water infrastructure.

Don’t Overlook Indoor Water Use

While outdoor watering often gets the blame for summer spikes, your indoor plumbing system works just as hard during this time of year, especially if you have kids home for summer break, guests visiting, or are doing more laundry, dishes, and showers.

Increased indoor demand can lead to:

• Water heater strain, especially if it’s near capacity or taking too long to heat up
• Pressure issues in older pipes
• Toilets and faucets running longer or leaking without notice
• Clogged drains or backups caused by higher usage

Monitoring both indoor and outdoor water use is key to protecting your system and saving money.

Water Conservation Tips for Inside and Outside Your Home

You can easily reduce summer consumption rates with these practical drought prevention strategies tailored to our local conditions. These water conservation tips can help prevent seasonal drought impacts in our community:

1. Water Lawns Early in the Morning

Water between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. to reduce evaporation loss and avoid fungal growth that’s more likely in the humid afternoon. Morning watering also helps your plants absorb moisture before the day heats up.

2. Install Rain Barrels

Bloomington often sees pop-up thunderstorms in the summer. Capture rainwater from your gutters and use it for gardens or lawn care. It’s an eco-friendly way to reduce dependency on city water.

3. Check for Leaks (Even the Hidden Ones)

Increased water flow can reveal leaks in toilets, outdoor spigots, underground lines, or irrigation systems. Watch for unusually high water bills or wet spots in your yard.

4. Upgrade to Low-Flow Fixtures

Modern low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets reduce indoor water use by up to 30% without sacrificing performance. Over time, this adds up to major savings.

5. Adjust Sprinkler Systems

Ensure sprinklers only water lawns, not sidewalks or driveways. Consider smart irrigation controllers that adjust watering based on local weather, humidity, and soil conditions.

6. Space Out Showers and Laundry Loads

Avoid running back-to-back water-heavy tasks, especially if you have a smaller water heater. Spreading out laundry and showers gives your system time to recover and prevents pressure dips or hot water shortages.

These strategies are ideal for Bloomington’s climate and help reduce stress on your plumbing system during the busiest time of year.

Long-Term Financial Benefits

While water conservation reduces your monthly bill, it also extends the lifespan of your plumbing system. Here’s how:

• Lower water usage reduces wear on pipes and fixtures, minimizing the chance of summer leaks or cracks
• Water heaters and pressure regulators last longer when not forced to handle excessive demand
• Fewer plumbing emergencies mean fewer expensive after-hours service calls

In a city like Bloomington, where water rates often increase during high-demand months, these savings can make a big difference in your annual household costs.

Smart Plumbing Solutions from Covenant Plumbing

You should absolutely be conserving water during the warmer month; not just to protect your plumbing, but to help preserve Bloomington’s water supply and reduce your long-term utility costs.

At Covenant, our licensed technicians understand the water usage patterns of Midwest homes. From fixture upgrades to water heater adjustments and leak detection, we help homeowners create systems that work smarter, not harder.

Call us today at (309) 340-1403 for guidance on conserving water and improving plumbing performance all summer long.