Water is a natural resource that many of us take for granted, especially if we have our own wells or don’t have to pay for it. However, water is essential to everyday life and should not be wasted. Here are some easy ways you can help conserve water every day:

  • Run the dishwasher only when full to save water and energy.Install aerators on the kitchen faucet to reduce flows to less than 1 gallon per minute.When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator.Cook food in as little water as possible. This not only saves water, but also helps to retain more nutrients.Select the proper pan size for cooking. Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary.Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables and use it to water houseplants.Install low-flow shower heads.Reduce your shower time to five minutes. Save up to 25 gallons.Fill the bathtub halfway or less. Or, better yet, take a short shower instead of a bath. A bathtub can use up to 70 gallons of water.Install aerators on bathroom faucets. Save: 1.2 gallons per person per day.Turn the water off when brushing teeth or shaving. Save: Approximately 10 gallons/dayInstall a high-efficiency toilet. Save: 19 gallons per person per day.Never use your toilet as a wastebasket.Test your toilet for leaks. Put food coloring in the tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Fix it and start saving gallons.Consider buying a dual-flush toilet. It has two flush options: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solid waste.Plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor and save up to 300 gallons a month.Turn off the water while washing your hair and save up to 150 gallons a month.When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.Don’t use a hose to clean the driveway of dirt or leaves – grab a broom or rake.Reuse fish tank water on your household plants – it is a nice fertilizer.