Convert to low water use landscaping, known as Xeriscape. Select plants, shrubs, and trees that need minimal water.
Use drip irrigation for plants, shrubs, and trees.
Water your lawn and gardens early in the morning or later in the evening (but not too late, otherwise you will encourage fungal growth). Limit watering to approximately one inch per week, including rainfall. For best results, moisten the soil between 4 and 6 inches deep with each watering. This will encourage the growth of a deep root structure that is more drought-resistant.
Use a broom to sweep up outdoors. Using water to wash down sidewalks, driveways, and pavements are wasteful.
Flow from a garden hose can be more than 10 gallons of water per minute. Use a spray nozzle with an automatic shutoff handle on your hose so water doesn't flow continuously.
Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
If you have an older home, replace the toilets with water efficient models that use 1.6 gallons per flush or less.
Install low flow faucet aerators in the kitchen and bathrooms.
New showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute or less - up to 75 percent less than older showerheads.
Take showers instead of baths. A standard bathtub holds up to 50 gallons of water, whereas a normal shower would use less than 20 gallons. Shorter showers save water as well as the energy used to heat the water.
Don't let the water run when you are shaving, brushing your teeth, or hand washing dishes. Turn on the tap only when you need it! Additionally, don't use faucets at full pressure.
Consider purchasing a new water and energy efficient clothes washer and/or dishwasher.
Wash only full loads of laundry in your washing machine and full loads of dishes in your dishwasher. You'll not only save water but energy as well.
Don't pre-rinse dishes. Check to see if your dishwasher can clean dishes without pre-rinsing them. Most new dishwashers don't require pre-rinsing.
Reuse clean household water. Collect all the water that is typically wasted while waiting for the hot water to reach your faucet or showerhead. Use this to water your houseplants or garden. Do the same with water that is used to boil eggs or steam vegetables.
