Do not wash partial loads of dishes or clothes. Always fill the machine full.
 

When washing dishes by hand, don't keep the water running for rinsing. Sit the soapy dishes in one side of the sink. Rinse them all at the same time.
 

Don't use running water to thaw out meat. Thaw meat in advance in the refrigerator.
 

Rinse fruits and vegetables in a container of water rather than run water continuously.
 

Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth. Wet your brush and then turn the water off until you're ready to rinse.
 

Check all faucets and pipes for leaks on a routine basis. Even a small drip will add up over 30 days.
 

Check your toilets for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank when you're ready to go to bed. If the color shows up in the bowl the next morning, you have a leak.
 

React immediately if a chain gets hung up under the toilet flapper mechanism. The toilet will run continuously until the next time someone flushes it, wasting gallons of water.
 

Don't think of the toilet as a wastebasket. Dispose of tissues, cigarettes and trash in an appropriate waste container.
 

Reduce the amount of water being used for each toilet flush by placing a brick or a bottle filled with water in the tank. Be sure it is tucked into the corner of the tank away from the flushing mechanism.
 

Consider replacing an older model toilet with a new water-saving one. They use half as much water as those made 10 years ago or longer.
 

Attach a nozzle to your garden hose when washing the car. That will keep water from running continuously until you're ready to rinse.
 

Consider washing the car at a commercial car wash. They are economical, efficient and use less water per wash than cars washed at home.
 

Use a broom or blower instead of a garden hose to clean the driveway and sidewalks.
 

Use a container to collect the cool water running down the drain while you wait for hot water to run out of the faucet.
 

The final rinse water can be dipped out of the washing machine (before the spin cycle), and can be used to water plants.
 

When watering the lawn, take care to position the sprinkler so that water isn't wasted on the street or driveway.
 

Only water the lawn when it's absolutely necessary, and water for a longer period of time. Prolonged watering will help the grass develop a deep root structure that makes it more drought resistant. Watering for ten or fifteen minute periods results in a shallow root system that will require more frequent watering and create drought intolerance.
 

Water your lawn in the early part of the day. This will prevent water loss due to evaporation.
 

When possible, spot water only the plants that need it using a watering can or bucket, rather than a sprinkler.
 

Place mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and flower beds to reduce moisture loss.
 

Use a bucket to collect condensation water that drips off your air conditioning unit and use it to water trees and shrubs.
 

When landscaping, plant shrubs and trees that are drought and heat tolerant. A local nursery can help you select those needing less moisture to survive.
 

Plant only in the spring and fall. Installing new landscape materials during the summer months will require more watering to help them survive.