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Kobayashi Family |
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|
Family Size |
3 |
| House |
1,977 sq./ft -- 4 bedrooms, 2 baths |
| Yard | 4,000 sq./ft front yard, 3,000 sq./ft back yard |
| Average Monthly Water Bill |
$36.97 |
Water meters are like electric meters to the Kobayashi family -- they've always had one. Victoria was not surprised to find a meter when she moved into her south-Reno home two years ago. With the move from Alaska, she brought an energy- and water-saving washer. The house was already equipped with a water-saving dishwasher. In an effort to watch her indoor water usage -- and her monthly costs -- the Kobayashi family does laundry only one time per week. One hard and fast rule: full loads only!
Conservation was not important to the previous homeowners. Prior to September 2001, the front yard was comprised of juniper bushes. They've since been torn out and replaced with grass and flower beds. The back yard with its old sprinkler system was not much better. Victoria and her husband installed water efficient sprinkler heads, which use the spray method for watering their lawn. The drip method is used for the trees and plants in the rest of xeriscaped yard.
The family's monthly water bill reflects yard water usage from April to October. They receive higher water costs during these months ($72.54 in August), with lower costs during the other six ($7.80 in March). Their average monthly water bill is $36.97 for the last two years. Specifically, the Kobayashi's paid a total of $443.64 in water costs last year. The annual cost divided by 12 months amounts to $36.97 per month which is $13 less per month than they would pay for flat rate service. With their new landscaping, Victoria expects to see this summer's water usage drop, and with it her water costs. The family has already seen a decrease in water costs from 2000 to 2001 thanks to following the twice a week yard fitness guidelines.
