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Ten Ways to Save the Most Water


1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. A great way to check is by stepping on it, if it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. If you can, set your sprinklers for more days in between watering. For a potenial savings of 750-1,500 gallons per month. Better yet, especially in times of drought, water with a hose. And best of all, convert your lawn to native plants.


2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Saves up to 600 gallons per month for every leak stopped.


3. Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end. Saves 150 gallons each time. For a two-car family that's up to 1,200 gallons a month.


4. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.


5. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.


6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.


7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that's more than 600 gallons a month.


8. Don't use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Saves 400 to 600 gallons per month.


9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.


10. Don't water the sidewalks, driveway, or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs--and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month