How Much Water Does a Bidet Use Compared to Toilets?

Introduction: Water Waste in the Modern Bathroom

Water conservation has never been more urgent — and one of the most overlooked sources of water waste is right in your bathroom. While modern toilets have become more efficient, they still use gallons of water per flush. Enter the bidet: a hygienic alternative that not only reduces toilet paper waste but also has a surprisingly low impact on water consumption.

So how much water does a bidet really use? Is switching to one an eco-friendly decision? Let’s break down the numbers and compare.

Average Water Usage of Toilets vs Bidets

Toilet Flush Volume Statistics

The average toilet in U.S. homes uses between 1.6 and 3.5 gallons per flush (GPF). Older models can use even more, wasting up to 5 gallons in a single flush. Even with newer low-flow toilets, a typical person may flush 5–7 times a day — adding up to over 10 gallons of water daily per person.

How Much Water a Typical Bidet Uses Per Wash

In contrast, a bidet uses about 0.1 to 0.2 gallons per use — depending on duration and water pressure settings. Even a long, warm wash session is far more water-efficient than a single toilet flush. Over the course of a day, a person using a bidet may consume just 1 to 1.5 gallons of water total.

That’s a potential 80–90% water savings compared to using a traditional toilet alone — and the savings increase when you factor in toilet paper manufacturing.

Do Bidets Really Save Water?

Daily Use Breakdown

Let’s say you use the toilet six times per day. With a 1.6 GPF model, that adds up to 9.6 gallons daily. Switch to a bidet with occasional flushing, and you might only flush twice — saving more than 6 gallons per day. Multiply that by household size, and the impact becomes substantial.

Annual Water Savings Estimates

Over the course of a year, switching to a bidet could save the average household up to 3,000–4,000 gallons of water — just by reducing flush frequency and eliminating the need for excessive toilet paper disposal flushes.

This makes bidets not just a smart hygiene solution, but also a strong ally in sustainable living.

What About Toilet Paper Production?

How Much Water Is Used to Make Toilet Paper?

It’s not just flushing that wastes water — toilet paper manufacturing is another major culprit. Producing a single roll of toilet paper requires around 37 gallons of water, along with large quantities of energy and raw materials. That’s water used in the pulping, bleaching, and drying stages of production.

For a household that uses one roll every few days, the indirect water usage far exceeds the water used by a bidet — even when used multiple times a day.

Environmental Impact of Paper Manufacturing

In addition to high water consumption, toilet paper production contributes to:

• Deforestation of millions of trees annually
• Heavy chemical use for bleaching and softening
• Air and water pollution from manufacturing plants

By switching to a bidet, you eliminate the need for regular toilet paper purchases, reduce packaging waste, and help conserve natural resources — especially water.

Electric vs Non-Electric Bidets: Is There a Difference?

Water Usage by Type

Whether electric or non-electric, most modern bidets use roughly the same amount of water per wash — about 0.1 to 0.2 gallons. The key difference lies in added features. Electric models offer warm water, air drying, and adjustable nozzles, while non-electric options keep things simple and efficient.

Are Warm Water Bidets Less Efficient?

Warm water bidets use slightly more energy, but not necessarily more water. In fact, many are designed with energy-saving or eco modes that reduce consumption by heating water only when needed. Compared to the water footprint of paper production, the difference is still minimal and far more sustainable in the long run.

Other Environmental Benefits of Using a Bidet

Reduced Packaging and Manufacturing Emissions

Beyond water conservation, using a bidet drastically cuts down on toilet paper packaging waste. Think about the plastic wrap, cardboard rolls, and transportation emissions tied to every TP purchase. Bidets eliminate much of that — especially when users reduce paper usage by 75% or more.

Fewer shipments and less frequent restocking also reduce the carbon footprint of home supply chains, making bidets an all-around greener choice.

Lower Energy Usage Over Time

Some assume electric bidets must consume a lot of energy — but modern models often include energy-saving features like automatic shutoff, low-watt tankless heaters, and eco modes. Over the long term, their power draw is far less impactful than manufacturing, bleaching, and distributing rolls of paper monthly.

How to Choose a Water-Efficient Bidet

Dual-Flush Compatibility

If your toilet already has a dual-flush feature, pairing it with a bidet creates an ultra-efficient system. You’ll flush less often, and when you do, you can use the lighter flush option — maximizing your water savings daily.

Adjustable Spray Settings

Look for a bidet that allows you to adjust water pressure, nozzle position, and spray duration. This lets users tailor their clean while minimizing overuse — especially helpful in households with multiple users.

Eco Mode Features

Many bidets now offer an “eco mode” that controls energy and water flow more efficiently. These modes often reduce nozzle rinse time and standby power usage, keeping water consumption extremely low — especially during high-volume use.

Top Water-Saving Bidets in 2025

Several modern bidets are designed specifically with sustainability in mind. While we won’t list product links here, keep an eye out for features like:

• Tankless water heating
• Low-flow spray nozzles
• Automatic shutoff or smart timers
• Adjustable pressure and warm water on-demand

These features help reduce both water and energy usage — giving you a cleaner bathroom experience without environmental compromise.

FAQs About Bidet Water Usage

Q: Do bidets use more water than toilets?
A: Not at all. A typical bidet uses only 0.1–0.2 gallons per wash, compared to 1.6–3.5 gallons per toilet flush.

Q: Will using a bidet increase my water bill?
A: In most cases, your bill will stay the same or even decrease — especially if you flush less and reduce toilet paper waste.

Q: Do warm water bidets waste more water?
A: No. Warm water bidets use slightly more energy, but their water usage is nearly identical to non-electric models.

Q: How do bidets compare to toilet paper in terms of environmental impact?
A: Bidets use a small amount of water, but toilet paper production uses much more — plus energy, chemicals, and trees. Bidets are far more sustainable.

Q: Can I use a bidet with a low-flow toilet?
A: Absolutely. In fact, combining a bidet with a low-flow or dual-flush toilet is one of the best ways to conserve water.

Conclusion: Clean Living with Less Waste

When it comes to water usage, bidets are not just efficient — they’re game-changers. By replacing or reducing toilet paper use and minimizing flushes, they help households save thousands of gallons of water per year while improving hygiene and reducing environmental impact.

Whether you’re eco-conscious or simply curious, a bidet is a smart upgrade for any bathroom. Ready to make a greener switch? Visit our Eco-Friendly Bathroom Guide to learn more about sustainable living with Premium Bidet.