- Minimize the number of dishes used throughout the day by designating a drinking glass for yourself. This eliminates the need to wash multiple cups.
- When serving dinner, serve right out of the pots and pans, as this will eliminate additional dishes.
- 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 using running water from the tap.
- Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold water.
- Dishwashers can use less water than hand washing, especially new energy-efficient models.
- Collect water used for cleaning fruits and vegetables, drained from pasta, etc. to water your plants.

- When doing laundry, wash in cold water, as it saves water and energy while helping clothes keep their color.
- Also, when doing laundry be sure to match the water level with the size of the load.
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two and save up to 150 gallons per month. If your whole family did this, imagine how much water your house could save!
- Aim for 5-minute showers and you can save up to 1,000 gallons of water per year.
- Skip the baths, as a full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water.
- Turn off the water as you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That's up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
- Be sure to check all faucets for leaks, as one drip every second can add up to 5 gallons per day! Also check all pipes, hoses, toilets, and faucets inside and out for leaks.
- Run your washer and dishwasher only when they are full. This can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- In your yard, be sure to plant species that are native to your area, as they require less maintenance to flourish.
- Start a compost pile or bin. Using compost in your garden or flower beds adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.

- Wash your pets outdoors, in an area of your lawn that needs to be watered.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks, and driveways, and save water every time!
- When washing your car, use commercial car washes that recycle water. When washing your car at home, be sure to turn the water on only when rinsing.
