Tips to Conserve Water Throughout Your Home

• Wash full loads
• Soak clothes with heavy stains prior to washing
• Avoid the extra rinse cycle
• Wash your clothes on the cold cycle setting
• Avoid extra-long drying cycles
• Make sure the hose connections for the washer are tight
• Maintain your washer and dryer and look for leaks

• An overloaded washer can leak when too much clothing or oversized items, such as comforters, are crammed in the tub.
• Front loader washer leaks may be caused by using too much detergent or combining laundry products inappropriately.
• Leaks from the back of new washers may occur when the manufacturer’s drain plug isn’t removed before installing the drain hose.
• Make sure the drain hose is properly secured in the drain pipe.
• Ensure that all the connections fit tight and are in good shape.

• Shut off water when not in use (e.g. while brushing your teeth or washing dishes)
• Consider using foaming hand soap instead of liquid (foaming soaps do not require the use of water to spread over hands)
• Take showers, not baths.
• Invest in water-saving devices, such as faucet aerators, low-flow faucets, water-efficient showerheads and dual-flush toilets.
• Wash vegetables in a large bowl of water instead of running faucet water
• Avoid using water to defrost frozen foods
• Use the dishwasher to wash large loads of dishes

• Plant desert-friendly vegetation, native plants and xeriscape  (landscaping involving proper planning and design, soil analysis and improvements, appropriate plant selection, practical turf, efficient irrigation and mulches, and appropriate maintenance)
• Research and only use the amount of water your plants require
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks
• Ensure sprinklers are properly aligned to water plants
• Purchase sprinklers with sensors that override automatic watering when moisture is detected
• Avoid washing vehicles at home 
• Don’t use water to clean gutters
• Consider using gray water (water from bathtubs and wash basins) to water plants.
• Check for leaks in sprinklers, pipes and hoses
• Use a nozzle or spray attachment on the garden hose