As winter arrives, many residents are using humidifiers to address the dry air. However, flow-through humidifiers, which are often efficient, can consume a large amount of water, with usage ranging from 1.5 to 12 gallons per day. This can result in higher water consumption for some households.

This is according to a recent alert from the City of Sterling Heights, which encourages citizens to monitor their humidifier use closely. The alert, based on data gathered, indicates that such usage depends on factors including the humidifier model, the size of one's dwelling, and humidistat configurations, not to mention personal preferences that lead to varying levels of consumption which in turn may raise water bills to unexpected highs.

Residents looking to keep their water bills in check this winter can turn to WaterSmart—a tool that sends alerts when water use exceeds five gallons per hour. By simply registering for an account, homeowners can track their household's water consumption and get ahead of any potential bill increases. According to a notification from the city, "WaterSmart will send an alert when your water usage has exceeded 5 gallons per hour," allowing for timely interventions.

Furthermore, the service offers emergency notifications that could be crucial in detecting leaks or other issues that may be inflating your water bill, WaterSmart doesn't only aid in monitoring regular usage but also plays a pivotal role in home maintenance, potentially saving residents from costly repairs down the line.

For those seeking more information on water billing or wish to dive deeper into the details of their own water consumption, the City of Sterling Heights has made resources readily available. Interested individuals can either visit the city's website for more information or reach out directly by calling (586) 446-2320.