How to Reduce Water Bill in Long Beach Home

Living in Long Beach, California, means enjoying a coastal climate, vibrant communities, and access to beautiful beaches. But with this lifestyle comes a growing challenge: rising water bills. As drought conditions persist across Southern California and water rates continue to climb, homeowners are feeling the financial pressure. The average Long Beach household spends over $80 monthly on water and sewer services — a figure that can easily spike during summer months or due to undetected leaks. Reducing your water bill isn’t just about saving money; it’s about contributing to regional water conservation efforts, protecting local ecosystems, and future-proofing your home against increasing utility costs. This comprehensive guide walks you through proven, actionable strategies to significantly lower your water bill in Long Beach — from simple behavioral changes to smart infrastructure upgrades. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, these steps will help you use water more efficiently, avoid unnecessary charges, and gain long-term control over your household expenses.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Conduct a Comprehensive Home Water Audit

Before making any changes, you need to understand where your water is going. A home water audit is the foundation of any successful conservation plan. Start by reviewing your last three utility bills to identify usage patterns. Are spikes consistent during summer? Do usage levels remain high even when no one is home? Next, perform a visual inspection of all plumbing fixtures. Check for dripping faucets, running toilets, and wet spots around pipes or irrigation systems. A simple test: turn off all water sources in your home, note the reading on your water meter, wait 30 minutes without using any water, and check again. If the meter has moved, you have a hidden leak. Common culprits include toilet flappers, irrigation valves, or underground service line leaks. Document every issue — even small drips can waste over 3,000 gallons per year.

2. Fix Leaks Immediately

Leak repair is the single most cost-effective way to reduce your water bill. A single dripping faucet at one drop per second wastes approximately 3,000 gallons annually. A running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day — that’s over 6,000 gallons per month. Toilets are especially problematic in older homes. To test for a silent toilet leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait 15–20 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper valve is faulty and needs replacement. These parts cost under $10 and take less than 15 minutes to install. For outdoor leaks, inspect irrigation lines after watering. Look for pooling water, unusually green patches in your lawn, or soggy soil near pipes. Repairing leaks not only reduces your bill but prevents structural damage to foundations, driveways, and landscaping.

3. Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures delivers immediate and long-term savings. Replace old showerheads with EPA WaterSense-labeled models, which use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute (GPM) compared to older models that can use 5–8 GPM. A family of four switching from a 2.5 GPM to a 1.5 GPM showerhead can save over 10,000 gallons annually. Similarly, install low-flow faucet aerators — these screw onto existing taps and reduce flow to 1.0–1.5 GPM without sacrificing pressure. For toilets, replace pre-1994 models (which use 3.5–7 gallons per flush) with dual-flush or ultra-low-flush models using 1.28 GPF or less. Many utility providers, including Long Beach Water, offer rebates for these upgrades. Check their website for current incentives — some programs cover up to 100% of the cost for qualifying fixtures.

4. Optimize Your Outdoor Watering Routine

Outdoor water use accounts for 50–70% of residential water consumption in Long Beach during peak summer months. The key to reducing this is timing, technology, and plant selection. Water your lawn and garden early in the morning (between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.) to minimize evaporation. Avoid watering during midday heat or windy conditions. Install a smart irrigation controller that adjusts watering schedules based on local weather, soil moisture, and plant type. These devices connect to Wi-Fi and use hyperlocal data to prevent overwatering — some models can reduce outdoor use by 30–50%. Replace thirsty turf grass with drought-tolerant landscaping (xeriscaping). Native plants like lavender, sage, yarrow, and succulents require minimal irrigation once established. Consider installing drip irrigation systems for shrubs and flower beds — they deliver water directly to roots, reducing runoff and waste by up to 60% compared to sprinklers.

5. Harvest Rainwater and Reuse Greywater

Long Beach receives an average of 12–15 inches of rainfall annually — a resource often overlooked. Install rain barrels beneath downspouts to collect runoff from your roof. A single 55-gallon barrel can capture hundreds of gallons during a moderate storm. Use this water for outdoor irrigation, car washing, or cleaning outdoor surfaces. For larger savings, consider a greywater system. These systems redirect water from showers, bathtubs, and laundry (but not toilets or kitchen sinks) to irrigate non-edible plants. California state law permits simple greywater systems without permits if installed correctly. Kits are available for DIY installation, and the water saved can reduce outdoor usage by 20–40%. Always use biodegradable, low-sodium soaps and detergents to protect soil health.

6. Adjust Household Habits

Small behavioral changes compound into massive savings. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine with full loads. Modern machines use the same amount of water whether half-full or full — so waiting for a full load can cut laundry water use by 50%. When washing dishes by hand, fill one basin with soapy water and another with rinse water instead of letting the tap run. Shorten showers to five minutes or less. Use a shower timer or play a 5-minute song to keep track. Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or scrubbing vegetables. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it’s cold. Teach children and guests these habits — collective behavior change makes the biggest difference.

7. Monitor Usage with Smart Meters and Apps

Long Beach Water provides customers with access to an online portal that displays daily water usage data through your smart meter. Log in regularly to track consumption trends. Set up alerts for unusual spikes — for example, if your usage doubles overnight, it could indicate a hidden leak. Many apps, such as Dropcountr or HydroJug, sync with your utility account and provide personalized conservation tips based on your usage patterns. These tools help you understand how weather, holidays, or guests affect your bill and allow you to adjust accordingly. Regular monitoring turns abstract utility charges into tangible, manageable data.

8. Take Advantage of Long Beach Water Rebates and Incentives

The City of Long Beach Water Department offers a robust set of rebates designed to encourage conservation. These include:

• $100 rebate for installing a WaterSense-labeled toilet
• $250 for a smart irrigation controller
• $1 per square foot for replacing turf with drought-tolerant landscaping (up to $2,000)
• Free water-saving kits containing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilet leak detection tablets

Visit the Long Beach Water website to download applications and verify eligibility. Some programs require pre-approval before purchase, so plan ahead. These rebates can offset the cost of upgrades and deliver a return on investment in under a year.

Best Practices

1. Create a Seasonal Water Plan

Water needs change with the seasons. In spring, focus on lawn awakening and planting. Summer demands strict irrigation limits and mulching to retain soil moisture. Fall is ideal for planting drought-resistant perennials and preparing irrigation systems for winter. Winter is a time for leak checks and system maintenance. Create a simple calendar that outlines monthly water goals — for example, “Reduce outdoor watering to twice a week by June 1st.” Consistency is key.

2. Mulch Garden Beds

Applying a 2–4 inch layer of organic mulch (wood chips, bark, or compost) around plants reduces evaporation by up to 70%. Mulch also suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and improves soil structure. Replenish mulch annually — it breaks down over time. Avoid rock mulch in high-heat areas; it reflects heat and increases water stress on plants.

3. Choose the Right Plants

Native and adapted plants are your best allies. Species like California poppy, manzanita, ceanothus, and bougainvillea thrive in Long Beach’s Mediterranean climate with minimal irrigation. Avoid high-water-demand plants like fescue lawns, hydrangeas, or Japanese maples unless they’re planted in shaded, low-traffic zones. Use the California Native Plant Society’s online plant database to select appropriate species for your microclimate.

4. Maintain Your Irrigation System

Even the most advanced irrigation system fails without maintenance. Inspect sprinkler heads monthly for clogs, misalignment, or broken parts. Adjust heads so water hits plants, not sidewalks or driveways. Clean filters quarterly. Replace worn nozzles and check pressure regulators annually. A poorly maintained system can waste 30–50% of its output.

5. Educate Your Household

Conservation is a team effort. Post simple reminders near sinks and showers: “Turn it off while brushing!” or “Full loads only!” Involve children by turning conservation into a game — reward them for reducing usage or spotting leaks. When everyone understands the why and how, habits become automatic.

6. Avoid Over-Fertilizing

Excess fertilizer encourages rapid plant growth, which increases water demand. It also washes into storm drains, polluting local waterways. Use slow-release, organic fertilizers sparingly — once or twice a year is often enough. Compost is an excellent natural alternative that improves soil water retention.

7. Insulate Hot Water Pipes

Insulating pipes leading from your water heater reduces the time it takes for hot water to reach your faucet. This means less water wasted while waiting for it to heat up. Foam pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install — it can pay for itself in water and energy savings within weeks.

Tools and Resources

1. Long Beach Water Department Website

www.longbeach.gov/water

This is your primary resource for rebates, conservation tips, usage data, and current drought alerts. The site includes downloadable guides, rebate application forms, and an interactive water usage calculator.

2. WaterSense Program (EPA)

www.epa.gov/watersense

Look for the WaterSense label on fixtures — this certification ensures products meet strict efficiency and performance standards. The site offers product comparisons and installation guides.

3. California Native Plant Society (CNPS)

www.cnps.org

Use their “Find a Plant” tool to discover native species suited for Long Beach’s coastal soils and climate. Their gardening guides are invaluable for sustainable landscaping.

4. Smart Irrigation Controllers

Recommended models include Rachio 3, RainMachine Touch HD, and Orbit B-hyve. These devices integrate with weather services and allow remote control via smartphone. Many offer free trial periods and are eligible for rebates.

5. Rain Barrel Kits

Brands like Rainwater Hog, Enviroworld, and FCMP Outdoor offer durable, food-grade plastic barrels with filters and spigots. Local garden centers like Armstrong Garden Centers in Long Beach often carry them and provide installation workshops.

6. Water Usage Tracking Apps

• Dropcountr – Syncs with your utility account and sends personalized alerts
• HydroJug – Tracks daily usage and suggests reduction goals
• My Water – Provided by many California utilities, including Long Beach

7. Free Water-Saving Kits

Long Beach Water offers free kits to residents upon request. Each includes: one low-flow showerhead, two faucet aerators, a toilet leak detection tablet, and a water conservation guide. Call or visit their office to pick one up — no cost, no application required.

8. Local Workshops and Classes

Long Beach hosts monthly “Water Wise” workshops at the Central Library and community centers. Topics include xeriscaping, greywater installation, and appliance efficiency. Check the city calendar for upcoming events — many are free and include hands-on demonstrations.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Martinez Family — 52% Reduction in 6 Months

The Martinez family lives in a 1970s home in the Naples neighborhood of Long Beach. Their average monthly water bill was $112. After conducting a water audit, they discovered their old toilet was leaking and their sprinklers were watering the sidewalk. They installed two WaterSense toilets ($150, $100 rebate), replaced their sprinkler heads with low-flow nozzles ($75), and installed a Rachio smart controller ($299, $250 rebate). They also switched to drip irrigation for their flower beds and mulched all garden areas. Within six months, their average monthly bill dropped to $53 — a 52% reduction. The upgrades paid for themselves in under nine months.

Example 2: Linda’s Bungalow — From $95 to $38 Monthly

Linda, a retired teacher in the Belmont Heights area, had a large front lawn she loved but couldn’t afford to water. She participated in Long Beach’s Turf Replacement Program, removing 800 square feet of grass and replacing it with drought-tolerant succulents, gravel pathways, and native shrubs. She received a $1,600 rebate. She also installed a rain barrel and began collecting roof runoff. Her water bill dropped from $95 per month to $38 — a 60% savings. She now spends her saved money on gardening tools and community events.

Example 3: The Rivera Apartment Complex — Community-Wide Savings

A small apartment complex in West Long Beach with 12 units had an average water bill of $1,200 per month. The landlord partnered with the city to install low-flow fixtures in all units, upgrade to smart irrigation, and add individual submeters to each unit. Tenants began receiving monthly usage reports and were incentivized to conserve. Within a year, total water use dropped by 48%, reducing the building’s monthly bill to $624. The landlord passed on 30% of the savings to tenants as rent reductions — improving tenant satisfaction and retention.

Example 4: A DIY Greywater Project

James, a homeowner in Lakewood, installed a simple laundry-to-landscape greywater system using a $120 kit from a local hardware store. He redirected the washing machine’s drain hose to a mulch basin around his citrus trees. He uses only biodegradable detergent. The system requires no permits and has been running for two years with zero issues. His outdoor water use dropped by 35%, and his trees have never been healthier.

FAQs

Why is my water bill so high in Long Beach?

High water bills in Long Beach are often due to outdoor overwatering, undetected leaks, outdated fixtures, or seasonal spikes in usage. The city’s climate and aging infrastructure contribute to higher rates, but most excessive usage is preventable with conservation measures.

How much water does a typical Long Beach household use?

According to Long Beach Water, the average household uses about 12,000 gallons per month. High users (often with large lawns or irrigation systems) can exceed 20,000 gallons. Conservation efforts can reduce this to 6,000–8,000 gallons with minimal lifestyle changes.

Are there penalties for excessive water use in Long Beach?

While there are no direct fines for overuse, Long Beach Water uses a tiered pricing system. The more water you use beyond your baseline allocation, the higher the rate per gallon. Excessive users pay up to three times the base rate. Conservation helps you stay in lower, cheaper tiers.

Can I get a rebate for replacing my lawn?

Yes. Long Beach Water offers up to $1 per square foot for removing turf and replacing it with drought-tolerant landscaping, with a maximum rebate of $2,000. Pre-approval is required, and the new landscape must be maintained for at least two years.

How do I know if my toilet is leaking?

Add food coloring to the tank. Wait 15–20 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper valve is leaking. Replace it — it’s a $5 part and takes 10 minutes to install.

Is rainwater harvesting legal in Long Beach?

Yes. California law permits rainwater collection for non-potable uses like irrigation. No permit is required for simple rain barrels. Larger systems may require approval — check with the city’s planning department.

How often should I check for leaks?

Check your toilets and faucets monthly. Inspect irrigation systems seasonally. Perform a full water audit at least twice a year — in spring and fall.

Do water-efficient fixtures reduce water pressure?

No. Modern WaterSense fixtures are engineered to maintain strong pressure while using less water. You won’t notice a difference in performance — only in your bill.

Can I install a greywater system myself?

Yes. Simple systems that redirect water from your washing machine to your landscape are allowed without a permit under California’s greywater code. Follow guidelines from the Department of Housing and Community Development for safe installation.

How long do water-saving upgrades take to pay for themselves?

Most upgrades pay for themselves within 6–18 months. Low-flow showerheads and aerators pay back in under 3 months. Smart controllers and turf replacement typically pay back in 1–2 years. Rebates shorten this timeline significantly.

Conclusion

Reducing your water bill in Long Beach isn’t a one-time task — it’s an ongoing commitment to smarter, more sustainable living. Every drop saved contributes to the resilience of Southern California’s water supply, especially as climate change intensifies drought conditions and utility costs rise. The strategies outlined in this guide — from fixing leaks and upgrading fixtures to embracing native landscaping and leveraging rebates — are not theoretical. They are proven by real households across the city who have cut their bills by 50% or more. The tools are available, the incentives are generous, and the knowledge is accessible. Start with one step: check your toilet for leaks today. Then move to the next. Over time, these small actions create massive savings — financially, environmentally, and socially. Your water bill doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right approach, it can become a measure of your responsibility, innovation, and care for your home and community. Make conservation a habit, not a chore. The water you save today will help ensure a more secure, sustainable future for Long Beach tomorrow.