• Fill a pitcher with tap water and put it in the fridge, rather than running the tap every time you want a drink of cold water.
• Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water over it.
• When washing dishes by hand, use two basins. Wash dishes in one and rinse dishes in the other rather than letting the water run.
• Install inexpensive aerators in all faucets.
• Drain or use a pan to wash fruits and vegetables. Use this water to water houseplants.
• Use the dishwasher only when full.
• Do not pre-rinse items for the dishwasher. Automatic dishwasher detergent is highly alkaline and needs the acidity of the food to reach optimum cleaning action. (Besides, rinsing wastes time, your energy and water!)
   

In the Bathroom...

• Check toilets and faucets for leaks, and repair.
• Install flow restrictions and/or low-flow showerheads.
• Install a low-flow toilet or modify your toilet with an inexpensive flushing device that reduces the amount of water used during each flush cycle.
• Take shorter showers! A shower uses 5-10 gallons of water a minute. Try turning the water off when shampooing or soaping up.
• Turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth or shaving!
• NEVER use the toilet as a wastebasket!
   

In the Laundry Room...

• Use the proper water-level setting when washing clothes. If your machine's water level cannot be adjusted, do FULL loads only.
• Use the perma-press cycle on your machine only when necessary. It uses 1/3 more water than the regular settings.

Throughout the house...

• Build a compost pile instead of using your garbage disposal.
• Insulate your water heater and all water pipes.
• Recycle water from fish tanks by using it to water plants. It's rich in nitrogen and phosphorous and makes for a great, inexpensive fertilizer!