Installing a water-efficient, 1.6 (or lower) gallons-per-flush toilet can save the average family $60 a year, lowering the cost of water and sewer bills. (See the accompanying article on page 10 for information on water efficient toilets that Southface is installing)

Test for a leaking toilet by adding food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 30 minutes, your toilet is leaking. A leaking toilet can waste 200 gallons per day.

If you experience a problem with your water-efficient toilet, have the water pressure checked.

Install a low-flow faucet aerator with a flow restrictor to reduce the flow by 25%.

Remember to clean the aerator routinely to remove any obstructing particles collected in the screen.

Fix leaks immediately: a small drip can result in up to 15 gallons of water a day or 105 gallons a week in wasted water, which adds up to more than 5,000 gallons of wasted water a year!

Check your showerhead for drips or leaks and replace washers. Worn out washers are the main cause of leaks.

Install water-efficient showerheads. The typical showerhead allows a water flow of five gallons-per-minute. Installing a low-flow showerhead will reduce this flow by 50%.

Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the machine to save both water and energy.

Make sure to adjust the water level for each load.

A front-load washing machine uses 1/3 less water than a top-load machine.

Schedule an appliance maintenance check-up every three-to-four years to ensure the performance efficiency of your washing machine.

When shopping for a new washing machine, be sure to research high-efficiency models. These machines use an average of 30% less water and 50% less energy and get your clothes cleaner! Look for the ENERGY STAR™ logo.

Operate automatic dishwashers only when fully loaded to save on hot water, detergent and energy costs.

By using the short cycle on your dishwasher instead of the full cycle, you can save 15 gallons of water per load.

Check to see if your dishwasher can clean dishes without pre-rinsing them. Most current model dishwashers don’t require pre-rinsing.

Make a goal to take shorter showers. Spending less time in the shower can save as much as three to seven gallons of water per shower.

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and save four to 10 gallons of water a day.

Check your water meter to find leaks in your home. Start by turning off all faucets and water-using appliances in your home. (Remember to include your ice maker!) Take a reading on your water meter. After two hours, take a second reading. If the dial has moved, you have a leak!

Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and use this to water plants. The same technique can be used when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink.

Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50 percent to the volume of solids in a septic tank, which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.

Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce water heating costs for your household.

Don't over-water your lawn. Buy a rain gauge and use it to determine how much rain your yard has received. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.

Plant it smart. Drought efficient landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plants and irrigation system. More importantly, it will save time, money and water.

Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.

Don't allow sprinklers to water your street, driveway or sidewalk. Position them so water lands on the lawn and shrubs... not the paved areas.

Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water efficient irrigation methods.

Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.

Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.

Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Apply fertilizers which contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen

Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.

Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.

Avoid the installation of ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled.

Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off.

Avoid purchasing recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water.

Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place. Washers prevent leaks.

Get involved in water management issues. Voice your questions and concerns at public meetings conducted by your local government or water management district.

Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in your community. Don't assume — even if you get your water from a private well — that you need not observe good water use rules. Every drop counts.

Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace. Suggest that water conservation be put in employee orientation and training programs.

Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve water upon request.

Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, etc.) to the property owner or local authorities.

Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.

Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.

Support efforts and programs that create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to our state. Make sure your visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.

Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors and co-workers to "do their part."

Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don't waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at a hotel.