Water your lawn only once a week, but deeply.  Put a tin can out and water over it until the water is one inch deep in the can.  Note the time it took.  Next week water for the same length of time.  You can even buy a timer to turn off your hose automatically.  Early morning or late evening watering is best. Less water is lost by evaporation that way.

Many washing machines use 40 or more gallons of water a load whether you have them stuffed full or with only a couple of socks.  Save up for a full load and make your water work efficiently.  Or remember to set your machine for a lesser load if it can be adjusted.  As with the dishwasher, you save energy and electricity, as well as water.

Check all your plumbing carefully.  Hear anything running late at night?  A very leaky toilet ball valve might lose you as much as 2,000 gallons a day.  When you think everything is turned off, check your water meter.  If the leak sensor dial is moving, however slowly, something is still leaking. SMCMUA offers free home water audits.  Call us at 326-6860 for a convenient appointment.

Your garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.  Remember that when you leave the sprinkler running all day or leave the hose unattended.  When washing the car, use a bucket for soapy water and use the hose only for rinsing.  Running water in the driveway won’t get the car any cleaner.  Another water waster is using the hose to sweep away leaves.  Use a rake or broom to clean up.