Young Treasure
#1) Set in your mind that I don't waste water without proper reason.
#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 ground covers 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.
#10) For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
#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.
#28) Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
#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.
#36) Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
#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.
#42) Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
#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.
