Things have been mighty dry around here, and even with a bit of needed rain, it’s a good time for a reminder of some of the ways we can conserve water in the home. 

One place to cut back is in the kitchen: Instead of just running the tap to rinse your fruits and vegetables, wash them in a pan of water, then use it to water your plants. If you drop an ice cube or two on the floor while preparing a cold drink, drop them in a house plant instead of throwing them in the sink. If you steam vegetables, let the water cool down and give it to your plants (provided you didn’t salt it). Or drink it yourself — it’s very nutritious! 

Another place to practice water conservation is the bathroom. Don’t let the water run while you’re brushing your teeth. Install a low-flow toilet. And there’s no need to flush after every tinkle! 

Here’s another one: Do you really need to shower every day? When we bathe too often, it removes protective oils from our skin and alters the balance of the skin’s bacterial flora. Consider cutting back to once every other day, or even once every three days, depending on your activity level. And when you do shower, try turning off the water when soaping up or lathering your hair. 

Finally, consider cutting back on how often you wash your clothes. Not only will you save a lot of water, but you’ll also extend the life of your favorite duds.