Appliances and Fixtures

• Choosing appliances that use less water can save gallons every day. A modern low-flow toilet use as little as 1.6 gallons of water per flush, compared to 3.5 to 7 gallons with older toilets. Or consider a dual-flush toilet, which uses as little .9 gallons to flush liquids and 1.6 gallons for solids. Some washing machines and dishwashers use less water than older models. The U.S. government has a program that designates some faucets, showerheads and toilets with a Watersense label, which means the products meet the EPA's requirements for efficiency.
  
  

Habits

• Changing some habits can help you save water painlessly. For instance, don't run the water while you brush your teeth. Wet your toothbrush, shut off the water, then brush. Turn the faucet on again to rinse. Rinse dishes in a basin of water instead of under running water. Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
  
  

Repairs

• A dripping faucet or running toilet may not seem like a big thing, but they can add up to gallons of wasted water in a year's time. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted in the U.S. each year. Repair faucet leaks. To check for leaks in your toilet, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes. If any of the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
  
  

Hard-core Conservation

• Saving the most water in your home requires doing some things differently. For example, some people choose to flush the toilet less. Or you could catch water in a bucket in the shower and use this water to flush the toilet or water plants. Scrape, don't rinse, dishes. Hang your clothes to air between wearings, and don't wash them as often. After your bath, don't pull the plug. Instead, save the water for toilet flushing and watering plants.