INDOORS:
SHORTEN YOUR SHOWER
Take a shorter shower and install a low-flow showerhead. A long shower will use 35-40 gallons of water while a typical bath used 25 gallons.
CHECK DRIPPING FAUCETS
A Slow drip wastes 20 gallons of water per day. A 1/8-inch leak wastes 400 gallons in 24 hours.
CHECK FOR TOILET LEAKS
Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy too install.
FULLY UTILIZE YOUR APPLIANCES
Run the dishwasher and washing machine for full loads only.
PONDING WATER FOR DISHES
Put a stopper in the kitchen sink and pond 2 or 3 inches of water instead of running a stream while doing dishes or cleaning vegetables.
BRUSHING TEETH
Turn off the water when brushing teeth. Fill a glass to rinse.
OUTDOORS:
REFRAIN FROM WATERING LAWNS
If you do water, do so before 8 a.m. or after 8 p.m. to prevent evaporation. Consider drought resistant grasses and shrubs. Add mulch around bushes to retain moisture.
REFRAIN FROM CAR WASHING
If you wash your car, use a cloth and bucket of water to loosen dirt first. Save the hosing for the final rinse. Or use a commercial car wash where water is recycled.
CHECK FOR LEAKS AT OUTSIDE SPIGOTS AND HOSES
Turn hose bib off when not in use. A leaking or burst garden hose can run all night wasting hundreds of gallons of water.