What are the various ways to save water?

* Take shorter showers. The average American shower uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. By cutting your shower time in half, you can save 12.5 gallons of water each day.

* Turn off the water when you brush your teeth or shave. Leaving the water running while you brush your teeth or shave can waste up to 10 gallons of water each minute.

* Fix leaky faucets. A leaky faucet can waste up to 10 gallons of water per day.

* Water your lawn less often. Lawns only need to be watered about once a week. Over-watering your lawn can waste up to 40% of the water you use for irrigation.

* Use a rain barrel to collect water from your roof. Rainwater can be used to water plants, wash your car, or even flush toilets.

* Install low-flow appliances. Low-flow toilets, shower heads, and faucets can help you save water without sacrificing comfort.

* Wash your car less often. Washing your car at home can use up to 100 gallons of water. If you can, take your car to a commercial car wash that recycles water.

* Use the dishwasher only when it's full. Dishwashers use about 12 gallons of water per load. By waiting to run the dishwasher until it's full, you can save water and energy.

* Hand-wash dishes in a sink filled with water. Don't let the water run while you wash dishes. Fill the sink with water and wash the dishes in the sink.

* Use a watering can to water plants. When you water plants with a hose, much of the water evaporates before it reaches the plants. Use a watering can to direct water directly to the plants' roots.

* Check your water meter regularly. This will help you identify any leaks or water usage issues.

* Educate yourself and others about water conservation. By sharing information about water conservation, you can help to make a difference.