How to Save Fresh Water

Run water from your faucets only when you need it. Turn faucets off while brushing your teeth, shaving, lathering your hair or rinsing dishes; teach your children to do the same. Leave soiled pots and pans to soak instead of scrubbing dirt off under running water. Wash fruit and vegetables in a basin of water instead of under the faucet. Keep the water used to wash fruit and vegetables and use it to water household plants.

Wash only full loads of laundry in the washer and full loads of dishes in the dishwasher.

Compost vegetable food waste instead of putting it in the garbage disposal.

Fill a pitcher of water and store it in the refrigerator. Use this for cold drinks instead of running the tap.

Collect water from your roof to water your lawn. Water your lawn in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower, to minimize evaporation, and on calm days, as wind can blow away or evaporate water. Spread a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and conserve water.

Clean your driveway and paths with a broom instead of a hose.

Take your car to a commercial car wash that uses recycled water.

Have a shower instead of a bath to save gallons of water each time you bathe. Reduce your normal showering time by one minute to conserve hundreds of gallons of water each month. Wash your face and brush your teeth while in the shower. If you must have a bath, put the plug in before you start running the water, regulating the temperature as the tub fills up. Share baths, and bathe young children together.

Upgrade your appliances, such as refrigerator and air conditioner, with air-cooled instead of water-cooled models. Upgrade an old toilet with a water-efficient model. Fit aerators on all household faucets. Check how long it takes for your shower to fill a one-gallon bucket. If it takes less than 20 seconds, replace your showerhead with a water-efficient model.

Check your water supply for leaks. Listen for drips. Put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank and see if it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing; if it does, there is a leak. Tighten a leaky faucet with a wrench.