Ways to Conserve Water

In the Kitchen

• only run the dishwasher with a full load
• scrape your dishes clean instead of rinsing them before washing
• use your garbage disposal sparingly
• place a stopper in the sink to wash pots and pans, rather than turning on faucet each time a rinse is needed

In the Bathroom

• when brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet until it is time to rinse
• install low-flow showerheads
• take showers instead of baths; showers with low-flow showerheads often use less water than baths
• use a toilet tank displacement device; these devices will reduce the volume of water in the tank but still provide enough water for flushing

In the Laundry

• wash only a full load when using an automatic washing machine
• use the lowest possible water level setting on the washing machine

Outdoors

• water lawns early in the morning or late at night to avoid evaporation
• avoid watering lawns in windy weather
• use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants, trees, or shrubs
• use a broom rather than the hose to "sweep" walks and driveways
• use a bucket of soapy water to wash your car and save the hose for rinsing