Metro Water Services

Water use

Where does the water go?

Below is a list of common water uses and the average amount used for each.
Action Water Used
Toilet Flush 3 to 7 Gallons
Shower 25 to 50 Gallons
Hand Washing 2 Gallons (with tap running)
Brushing Teeth 2 Gallons (with tap running)
Outdoor Watering 5 to 10 Gallons per Minute
Automatic Dishwashing 10 Gallons
Dishwashing By Hand 20 Gallons
Tub Bath 36 Gallons


On the average, 183 gallons of water is treated for each person every day. Below is a breakdown of how that water is used.

Action Amount
(Gallons)
Residential Use: Bathing, Cooking, Washing, etc. 70
Industrial Use: Factories, Office Buildings 50
Commercial Use: Hospitals, Restaurants, Sports 35
Public Use: Parks, Fighting Fires 10
Lost or Unaccounted for Water 18
Total 183

If you have any questions which are not addressed through this web site, please email sonia.harvat@nashville.gov.