Inside the home

• Never use any more water than necessary to complete a task
• Fix leaks on faucets, sinks and toilets
• Take short showers instead of baths
• Turn off water while bushing teeth or shaving
• Install low-flow showerheads and toilets
• Keep cold beverages in the refrigerator and use ice only when needed
• Keep a container of cold water in the refrigerator instead of waiting for water to cool from faucet
• Fill sink half-way to rinse vegetables and fruit instead of rinsing one at a time under running water
• Wash dishes by hand instead of using a dishwasher (fill one side of sink with soapy water for washing and the other with clear water for rinsing)
• If using a dishwasher, make sure you have a full load
• When washing clothes, make sure you have a full load; if not, select the correct water level
• When cleaning or emptying a fish tank, use the old water to water plants or for on the lawn

• Swimming pools should be covered when not in use so water does not evaporate
• Water lawn only when needed
• Water early in the morning or late at night
• Never water when it is windy; this causes water to evaporate and dry quicker
• Use drip irrigation for shrubs and flower beds
• Water hoses should have a trigger nozzle on them
• Use mulch around trees, plants and gardens to hole in moisture
• Save rain water to water plants
• When watering; set a timer, saves from over watering
• When using a sprinkler, be sure to adjust to water only where needed
• Instead of washing your driveway and sidewalks, sweep or use a blower
• After washing your vehicle, use left over water for plants or the lawn

How to prevent water pollution:

• Buy only the amount of fertilizers, pesticides or other hazardous chemicals that you need so that you don't have to dispose of the leftovers. Read all the labels and follow directions.
• Be an informed consumer. Consider alternatives if any of the following words are or on labels: caution, warning, danger, poison, flammable, volatile, caustic or corrosive.
• Use organic lawn and garden alternatives that do not contain synthetic chemical poisons.
• Recycle your used oil, automotive fluids, batteries and other products.
• Don't dispose of hazardous wastes in storm drains, wastewater systems, creeks, alleys or the ground. This pollutes the water supply.

Visit the Texas Water Development Board Website or the American Water Works Association Website for more conservation tips and information .