100 Ways To Conserve

• #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 street.
• #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.

• #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 model.
• #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, sprinklers and 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 two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
• #22
  When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. 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.

• #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. These 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 to 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 thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

• #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 good shape.

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• #43
  Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them 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 your 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 sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
• #48
  Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering 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 brushing 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.

• #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 if you have a leak.
• #64
  If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
• #65
  Use a trowel, 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 too. 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 it the most.
• #69
  Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
• #70
  Bathe your young 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 below 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.

• #76
  Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
• #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 friends and neighbors.
• #81
  If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used 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 soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
• #85
  Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
• #86
  Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three 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 die 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 soup.

• #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 a 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 grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.
• #100
  Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.