How To: Save water in six easy ways

Are you aware of your water usage? Are you really doing all you can to conserve water, our most precious resource? Here are some simple ways you may not have thought of and some facts about the amount of water wasted on a daily basis in America.

You Will Need:
- Food coloring
- A water jug
- A broom
- A spray bottle

Step 1: Ask yourself if you really want water
Only ask restaurant servers to bring you a glass of water and refill it if you're planning to drink it.

Step 2: Check your toilet
Make sure your toilet isn't leaking by putting a drop of food coloring in the tank. If it shows up in the bowl a few minutes later and you haven't flushed, you have a leak.

Step 3: Keep cold water on hand
If you drink tap water at home, keep a jug of it in the fridge so you don't have to run the water until it's cold.

Step 4: Recycle veggie water
Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin rather than under running water, then use that water, and any you used to boil vegetables, to water your plants. In addition to saving water, you'll give them extra nutrients. Or save boiled veggie water to start a soup stock.

Tip: If you have a dehumidifier, use the water on plants.

Step 5: Don't be lazy! Sweep steps, driveways, and sidewalks rather than hosing them off.

Step 6: Keep a water spray bottle on the sink
Keep a small spray bottle of water on your bathroom sink. Instead of running the faucet, use it to wet your toothbrush before applying paste. Think of how much water you can save with a few spritzes.

FACTS:
- The average American wastes up to 30 gallons of water every day.
- A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water a day!