High and Dry

Water saving tips

Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your plants or garden.

Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.

Check all plumbing for leaks. Have leaks repaired by a plumber.

Buy a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models.

Replace your shower head with an ultra-low-flow version.

Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.

Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature, if available, to use less 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. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.

Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.

Avoid installing ornamental water features, such as fountains, unless they use recycled water.

Plant drought-resistant lawn seed.

Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.

Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.

From FEMA.gov