1.There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you
2.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
3.Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings
4.Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or streets
5.Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month
6.Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips
7.Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps
8.Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time
9.Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful
10.For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain
11.Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks
12.Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation
13.Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap
14.Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money
15.Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time
16.If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water efficient one
17.Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants
18.If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption
19.We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklersand hoses for leaks
20.If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks
21.Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it’s still moist 2 inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water
22.When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustment. They’re more water and energy efficient
23.Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month
24.Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models
25.Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped
26.When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants
27.Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste
28.Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month
29.When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up
30.Walkways and patios provide space that doesn’t ever need to be watered. This useful “rooms” can also add value to your property
31.Collect water from your roof to water your garden
32.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
33.Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two or three inches below the surface before watering
34.Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining
35.Don’t use running water to throw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety
36.Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it’s needed
37.Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week
38.Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region
39.When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load
40.Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use
41.Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in a good shape
42.Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons per a month
43.Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape the clean
44.Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates
45.Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance
46.Know where you master water shut off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home
47.To decrease water from being wasted on stopping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat 2 or 3 times
48.Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid over watering some while underwatering others
49.Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water
50.Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape
51.Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air
52.Use a commercial car wash that recycles water
53.Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water
54.Turn off the water while washing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month
55.Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly
56.Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults
57.Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain
58.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
59.If your toilet flapper doesn’t close after flushing, replace it
60.Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets
61.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
62.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
63.Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer, Check the mark 24 hours later to see of you have a leak
64.If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing.
65.Use a towel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it’s time to water
66.If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions
67.When you save water, you save money on your utility bills to saving water is easy for everyone to do
68.When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs to it the most
69.Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps
70.Bathe your children together
71.Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings
72.Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip before freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting
73.Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings
74.Wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your lawn at the same time
75.Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing in and save water every time
76.Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water saving
77.Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work
78.Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses
79.Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time
80.Share water conservation tips with your friends and neighbors
81.If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of waterused for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank
82.Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills
83.Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors
84.Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soul cooler and reduces evaporation
85.Report broken pipes, open hydrantsand errant sprinklers to the property owner oryour water provider
86.Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every 3 weeks or less if it rains
87.Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil
88.Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground
89.Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more
90.Water only when necessary. More plants are from over-watering than from under-watering
91.One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious foods
92.Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements
93.Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month
94.Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water
95.When shopping for new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load and energy too
96.Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it
97.Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface
98.When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed
99.Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of a grass equals 2/3 of a gallon of water
100.Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month
101.When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water the trees or shrubs
102.If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead
103.To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower
104.While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels
105.When backflushing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping
106.For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the mass or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow
107.Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables in your yard compost to prevent usage the garbage disposal
108.When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don’t throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant
109.Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn’t allowed in your area, stand a movement to get that changed
110.Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants
111.When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather
