1. Try not to put water down the drain where there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or cleaning.

2. Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used.  If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

3. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year which will add to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or strain your septic system.

4. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank.  If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts.  Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as soon as the test is done, since food coloring may stain your tank.)

5. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

6. Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra low-flow version.  Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.