All of us can reduce water usage in our homes by following some of these fairly easy tips. Remember approximately two-thirds of residential interior use comes from flushing the toilet and bathing. First check your water meter or bill to see how much water you are using. By monitoring your water bill it will be easer to discover a leak. Most of us should be able to get by comfortably on 50 gallons per person per day. Reduce your consumption by:
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* Do not run water while shaving, brushing teeth or washing dishes by hand.
* When running tap water to get it hot, divert the initial cool water into a pot or bucket, then use it to water the plants.
* Repair leaky and damaged faucets, along with plumbing joints.
* Take shorter showers - no more than 5 minutes.
* Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
* Clean sidewalks with a broom rather than spraying away dirt with a hose.
* Install efficient household devices including a low-flush toilet and low-flow shower head.
* Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse at the end.
* Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator.
* Don't defrost frozen foods with running water.
*Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan.
* Use the garbage disposal less and the compost your food wastes and recycle other items.
* Don't throw old prescriptions down the toilet. Dispose of them in a safe manner.
* When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
* While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
* Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
* Buy energy efficient appliances like clothes and dish washers.
* Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
* Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
* If you need to water the lawn, do it in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
* Collect water from your roof to water the garden.

These are only a few tips you can do to conserve water usage and allow less to have to be treated at the sewage treatment facility or private septic system. Water conservation is an important way to protect our water resources and reduce our foot print on earth. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors. Remember when you save water, you save money on your utility bills too.