15 Tips to Save Water on Earth

There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with the following:

1. 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.
2. Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
3. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
4. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
5. Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
6. Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
7. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
8. Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
10. Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
11. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
12. Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
13. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
14. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
15. Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.