1. Check for leaks.. If your faucets drip, get them fixed, or at least put a container under the drip in the meantime and use the water.
- To check your toilets, put a few drops of food coloring (go for a strong color) in the tank, not the bowl. Wait about ten minutes without flushing. If you see the dye in the bowl, repair your toilet.
2. Turn off the water when you're not using it. If you're brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet between rinses. This also goes for [[Save little sticky note on the wall in front of the sink, with the reminder, "Turn off the faucet. Don't waste water!"
3. Avoid salt-based water softeners. These require excessive amounts of energy and water, and leave your local watershed's water quality impaired by excess salts.
4. Install low-flow toilets. A low-flow toilet can save many gallons of water per year, both preserving the environment and lowering your water bill.
- Or put bottle of water in the tank (the back) of your current toilet. The space the bottle takes up in the bottom of the tank will permit you to use less water, but keep the toilet functioning.
- Also try adjusting the water level lower. Many toilets have an adjustment to lower the valve float.
5. Conserve water. Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only 1/4-1/3 full. Run your dishwasher only when it is completely full. Reuse water, if at all possible by boilingit. If you wash your own car, park it on your lawn and use buckets and sponges. Use the hose to rinse. Use pool covers to reduce evaporation and keep leaves out. Install low flow faucets or aerators.
