Eager to help the state conserve its precious water resources? Here are 21 easy steps you can take to stop wasting water.

21 Ways to Conserve Water

•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.

•Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

•Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

•Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

•Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

•Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

•Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk.

•Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.

•Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

•Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.

•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.

•Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

•Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

•Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

•Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

•Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

•If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

•When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.

•Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.

•Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.

•Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.

Source: wateruseitwisely.com