Measure Your Water Usage in Real Time With MyWater

Many of us use more water than we really need, which can lead to unfavorable financial and environmental results. But the line between excess and necessity can often be hard to discern.

So Anthony Jakubiak, a recent graduate of Northwestern University, designed a gadget intended to monitor and measure your water use. MyWater displays real-time usage and compares how much water you've used with other homes in the area. The device also shows your personal water habits over time.

The MyWater display plugs into outlets by your water source (above a sink, close to the shower or near the washing machine). Fill out some basic information, including your approximate location and household size. Then, the gadget's screen displays that day's water use and compares it to others in your area as well as your own monthly average