Kitchen

• Run Dishwasher only when full.
• Don’t prerinse. You’ll save 20 gallons a load or 6,500 gallons per year.
• Place an aerator on your faucet. An aerator mixes water with tiny bubble of air and reduces amount of water by up to half.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Fill the basin or a dishpan to rinse fruits and vegetables instead of running the water.

Garden

• Use a Drip Irrigation system for shrub beds, gardens and trees.
• Use mulch in flowerbeds and gardens. Mulch shades the soil reducing evaporation of the water.
• Use native and adapted plants that are more drought tolerant.
• Add compost or peat moss to soil to improve its water-holding capacity.

Laundry

• Wash only full loads. An automatic washing machine uses 32-59 gallons per load.
• Whenever possible, use the lowest water-level setting for light, or partial loads.
• Use cold water as often as possible. This saves energy and conserves hot water for other uses.

Bathroom

• Don’t use your toilet as a wastebasket.
• Use a toilet dam, plastic bottle, or bag to displace water in the tank. This works best on toilets manufactured prior to the 1980s, which use 5-7 gallons per flush.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. This is the single most effective conservation step that can be taken in the home.

Lawn

• Fix leaky hoses and hose connections.
• Cut grass to a height of 3 inches. This shades soil to reduce evaporation and promotes deeper roots.
• Water during the early morning or evening hours to reduce amount of water lost to evaporation.
• Learn how much water your type of grass needs.

Watering Frequency for Turf Grass
Buffalo Grass Every 2-5 weeks
Bermuda Grass Every 7-10 days
Zoysia Every 7-10 days
St. Augustine Every 5 days