Bringing Down Water Bills | Video

Alex Hagan | 8/3/2012

Utility bills can fluctuate from month to month. One of the biggest factors in higher bills is extreme weather conditions. The lack of rain this summer has prompted some people to water their lawns and gardens more frequently, but that definitely comes with a price.

Bismarck resident Virginia Frieson keeps up with her garden and lawn every week. However, this year she finds herself watering even more because of dry conditions.

"I water that probably three times a week and I have flowers of course that I water so It`s not a lot. In order to keep it looking green, I have to to do that."

But she isn`t alone.

"I`ve been irrigating quite a bit now because it is so terribly dry," said Bismarck resident Gerald Roach.

And that has water bills increasing. Frieson`s bill rose to around $100 this summer.

"This is the largest bill that I had ever gotten. I would say approximately $30 more than average," Frieson said.

Bismarck Public Works employees are seeing a large increase in monthly water production. Production has not been this high since 2007.

"People are using anywhere from 25 percent to 50 percent more water than they did last year at this time," said Director of Utility Operations Keith Demke.

But there are some tips to save money on your water bill.

"Check to see that your coverage is good that you`re not overwatering some areas and missing other areas. Don`t water the sidewalk, don`t water the driveway. Aim your heads a little better," Demke said.

And for Frieson, rain will make all the difference.

"I`d rather have it rain than having to water it, that`s for sure."

Public works employees are also asking residents to check their sprinklers to make they aren`t leaking any water.

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