Indoors

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it.
• Make sure your home faucets and toilets are leak-free.
• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet, or “ultra low flush toilet (ULF) that requires only 1.6 gallons per flush.
• Put a brick, or another large solid object, in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used in flushing.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, etc. in the trash.
• Take shorter showers.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.
• Do not let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
• Operate the automatic dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
• Use two containers—one with soapy water and the other with rinse water—when washing dishes by hand.
• Operate the automatic clothes washer only when it is fully loaded, or set the water level for the size of your load.
• Retrofit all household faucets with aerators with flow restrictors.
• Consider installing an instant hot water heater on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to prevent them from breaking if you have a sudden and unexpected spell of freezing weather and to reduce heat loss.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage the pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• When purchasing a new appliance, choose one that is more energy and water efficient. If you are considering installing a new heat pump or air-conditioning system, be aware that the new air-to-air models are just as efficient as the water-to-air and do not waste water.

Outdoors

• Check your well pump periodically if you have a well at home. If the pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak and should have it repaired immediately.
• When washing your car, use a shut-off nozzle on your hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray, so that water flows only as needed. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Do not over-water your lawn. If it does not rain, lawns need to be watered only every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. Most of the year, lawns need only one inch (2.5 centimeters) of water per week. Buy a rain gauge so that you can better determine when to water. Avoid watering during the hottest time of day and avoid watering paved areas.
• Raise your lawn mower blade to at least three inches (7.6 centimeters) or to its highest level and avoid over-fertilizing your lawn.
• Consider installing a new water-saving pool filter if you have a swimming pool. Cover pools and spas when not in use to reduce evaporation of water.
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees.  Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. They also require less fertilizer and fewer herbicides.
• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.
• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
• Do not buy water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Do not install ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use recycled water.
• Make sure that any animals, particularly those housed outdoors, have plenty of clean water.

Learn more:

• Water Conservation (American Red Cross)
• Water Conservation Tips (FEMA)
• How to Conserve Water in Your Home and Yard (Michigan State University Extension)