WSSC Water is advising residents in the D.C. area to be cautious with their water usage this summer, warning that activities to beat the heat—like sprinklers, kiddie pools, and slip-and-slides—can cause water bills to soar by hundreds of dollars.
While the recent heavy rainfall officially ended the regional drought and current water supplies are sufficient to handle the ongoing heatwave, the utility is urging customers to conserve water whenever possible.
Spokesperson Lyn Riggins explained that even modest outdoor water use can add up quickly. Filling a small kiddie pool twice a week may seem harmless, but it could increase a typical quarterly bill by around $59.
Sprinklers and backyard water slides, however, are significantly more costly. Running a standard sprinkler for just 30 minutes twice a week could consume over 15,000 gallons of water during the summer—adding roughly $373 to the bill. Slip-and-slides can be even more expensive, potentially adding nearly $600 due to their high water use—around 23,000 gallons in a billing cycle.
Riggins advises checking hoses and outdoor equipment for leaks, as even small drips can lead to larger charges. She also suggests limiting water play, reusing water where possible, and visiting public pools or splash parks as alternatives.
“Knowing how much water you’re using gives you the power to manage your bill,” Riggins emphasized.
