100 ways to conserve water

• 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.
• 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 rainy season when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
• 9- Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
• 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- Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
• 15- If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
• 16- We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
• 17- If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
• 18- 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.
• 19- When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
• 20- Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
• 21- Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
• 22- Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
• 23- When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
• 24- Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste
• 25- When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• 26- Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
• 27- 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.
• 28- Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
• 29- Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
• 30- Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
• 31- Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive.
• 32- Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
• 33- When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
• 34- Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• 35- Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
• 36- Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• 37- Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
• 38- Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
• 39- Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
• 40- To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
• 41- Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
• 42- Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
• 43- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• 44- Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
• 45- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
• 46- Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
• 47- Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.
• 48- If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
• 49- Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
• 50- 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.
• 51- 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.
• 52- If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
• 53- 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.
• 54- If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
• 55- When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
• 56- When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
• 57- Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
• 58- Bathe your young children together.
• 59- Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
• 60- Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
• 61- Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.
• 62- Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
• 62- Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
• 64- Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car.
• 65- Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
• 66- If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
• 67- Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
• 68- Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
• 69- Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
• 70- Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
• 71- Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
• 72- Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
• 73- Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
• 74- 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.
• 75- Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
• 76- Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
• 77- When shopping for a new washing machine compare resource savings among Energy Star models.
• 78- Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
• 79- Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
• 80- 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.
• 81- 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.
• 82- Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
• 83- When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
• 84- If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
• 85- To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
• 86- While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
• 87- When backflushing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
• 88- For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
• 89- Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.
• 90- When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
• 91- Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line.
• 92- Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
• 93- When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.