Everyone knows youre not supposed to leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth.
But how long do you take to rinse off a dish with baked-on lasagna?
How much water does your prize-winning vegetable garden need?
Tubbs drives on steep roads to provide water to customers. The only time Water Wagon will not deliver water is when roads are icy. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder
A lot of us dont really think about how much water we use on a daily basis.
But for some people in Alaska, using up their water supply is a very legitimate concern.
Thats where a business like Water Wagon comes in.
The view of Fairbanks, Alaska from Tubbs' truck as he delivers water to the homes of Water Wagon customers. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Piping through the hilly terrain is not only expensive sometimes its just impractical.
That makes piping a logistical nightmare.
Well water in Alaska is mineral-heavy, with high levels of iron and manganese.
Its a means of getting safe, economical water out of your tap.
The company currently has 10 drivers and one full-time mechanic.
Hes been working at Water Wagon on and off for about six years now and uses the service himself.
For some of us, being constantly stuck behind the wheel is a nightmare.
But not for Tubbs.
I like the independence of it, he says.
I get to go out and work on my own and its a secure job… Everybody needs water.
And as for Bunchs day-to-day, her favorite part is the customer service.
And her least favorite?
she says, laughing.
Understandably, people can get a bit grumpy if they run out of water.
But well stop for ice.
The customer base ebbs and flows based on the seasons, according to Bunch.
While some people stop calling once the snow melts, warm weather brings its own unique group.
In the hunting season, we get all the wives calling because their husbands left with the truck.
They currently have around 2,700 active customers.
Customers can set their own schedule and determine what days Water Wagon will come out.
Call-in has the same fees as special delivery: 9 cents a gallon with an $81 minimum.
The station is open 24 hours a day, perfect for anyone needing water in a pinch.
Kaitlyn Blount is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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