Several federal and state agencies offer these water-saving tips:
- Check all faucets, pipes and toilets for leaks.
- Never use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket – throw it away, don’t flush it.
- Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator.
- Rinse dishes and vegetables in a full sink or pan of water instead of running water.
- Install water saving shower heads and ultra-low-flush toilets.
- Water your lawn or garden early in the morning or late in evening.
- Equip all hoses with shut-off nozzles.
- Use drip irrigation systems.
- Plant drought-tolerant or low water-use plants and grasses.
- Place mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and discourage weeds.
- Set your mower blades one notch higher, since longer grass means less evaporation.
- Use a pool cover to cut down on water evaporation.
- Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash your car.
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing them off.
- Take a short shower instead of a tub bath.
- Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
- Raise your lawn mower cutting height – longer grass blades help shade each other, reduce evaporation, and inhibit weed growth.
Source: http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Easy-Ways-LA-Conserve-Water-Southern-California-Drought-298457251.html#ixzz4KT9nrXRh
