Ten Easy Ways to Save Water
- Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants. Chunks of bark, peat moss or gravel slow down evaporation
- If you have a pool, use a pool cover to cut down on evaporation. It will also keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals.
- Set lawn mower blades one notch higher. Longer grass means less evaporation.
- Water your garden or lawn during the cool parts of the day. Early morning is better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus.
- Shorten your showers. Even a one or two-minute reduction can save hundreds of gallons a month.
- Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
- Regularly inspect for leaks. Fix dripping faucets and leaky toilets.
- Install a low-flow shower head or flow restrictor in your shower.
- Don't leave the hose running while washing your car. Instead, use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end.
- Use a broom to clean sidewalks, driveways or gutters, not a hose or sprinkler.
For more information on saving water, take the water saving house tour at h2ouse.org