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Water use per wash

Calculate freshwater gallons per actual wash cycle using matched billing and wash-count periods. Keep a downloadable record of quantities, exclusions and assumptions.

Match the records, then calculate

Use the water consumption period, not the payment due date. Include all freshwater supplies. Leave recirculated water out of the purchased or supplied total.

1. Check the periods

All dates are required. Use matching start/end cutoffs; a calendar-month wash report may differ from the meter-reading interval.

Water period start

Water period end

Wash-count period start

Wash-count period end

2. Read the meter quantities

Unit shown on the water bill

Changing the unit does not convert the numbers you entered. Check both quantities against the bill.

Total freshwater quantityConsumption in us gallons, not dollars or the cumulative meter reading.

Documented non-wash quantitySame unit. Subtract only supported uses outside washing, such as a separately measured irrigation line. Enter 0 if none is documented.

The bill includes estimated meter readings

3. Count actual wash cycles

Actual wash cycles in the same periodInclude retail, member, complimentary and repeat cycles consistently. Member accounts and receipts are not wash counts.

How this worksheet works

Freshwater per wash = (total freshwater quantity − documented non-wash quantity) × unit conversion ÷ actual wash cycles. One thousand gallons = 1,000 US gallons; one CCF or HCF is approximately 748 US gallons.

Unit reference: EPA: Understanding your water bill. Compare repeat periods at your own site using the same counting method, wash mix and evidence for exclusions.

Use the result in context

The result reflects the records you enter, including any unidentified leaks or non-wash use. It is not an efficiency rating or a universal gallons-per-car benchmark. Reclaimed water circulates within the operation and should not be added to freshwater consumption. This calculation does not determine wastewater discharge, sewer charges or eligibility for a credit.

Changing an input clears the previous result so you do not mistake an old calculation for the current scenario. Load the illustrative example to explore the method, then replace it with your own figures. Download before leaving if you want to keep your worksheet.

Read the supporting guide →

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