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tips for saving water

When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
Install an Endless Rain system and start harvesting rainwater for all of your outdoor water requirements.
Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.
Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.
Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.
Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.