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Residential water usage in the United States averages about 80-100 gallons per person per day, though this varies significantly by region, household characteristics, and conservation practices. Outdoor water use (irrigation) can double or triple total household usage in arid climates during summer. Indoor water use breaks down approximately as follows: toilets account for about 24% of indoor use (older toilets use 3.5-7 gallons per flush, while modern low-flow toilets use 1.28 gallons). Showers account for about 20% (standard showerheads flow at 2.5 gallons per minute; low-flow models use 2.0 GPM or less). Faucets contribute about 19%, washing machines about 17%, and miscellaneous uses (dishwashers, baths, leaks) make up the rest. Water pricing varies enormously across the United States. The average combined water and sewer rate is about $5 per 1000 gallons for water plus an additional 50-150% for sewer treatment. In total, the average American household pays about $70-80 per month for water and sewer. Some municipalities charge flat rates, while others use tiered pricing that increases the per-gallon cost at higher usage levels to incentivize conservation. Sewer charges deserve special attention because they often exceed the water supply charge itself. Most utilities base sewer charges on water consumption, assuming that most indoor water eventually enters the sewer system. Some utilities offer sewer credits for metered irrigation (water that goes into the ground, not the sewer). Water conservation can significantly reduce both cost and environmental impact. Replacing old toilets with WaterSense-certified models can save 13,000 gallons per year per household. Low-flow showerheads save about 2,700 gallons per year. Fixing leaks saves an average of 10,000 gallons per year. Total savings of 20-30% are easily achievable without lifestyle sacrifice. The true cost of water includes infrastructure maintenance, treatment chemicals, energy for pumping and treatment, and environmental costs that are not fully reflected in utility rates. Many water economists argue that water is chronically underpriced, which discourages conservation and infrastructure investment.