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One of the most crucial natural resources we have is water, yet it's also one of the resources many of us most frequently waste without thinking. Because water is so readily available to us in the form of indoor plumbing, we don't think about the many ways we use it and forget how much we are wasting as we go about our daily lives.
However, with a bit of education, mindfulness and work, you can save gallons of water every day. If each of us takes the steps to save several gallons of water a day, we could conserve tens of millions of gallons of water a year - impressive savings that would make a real difference. We've put together some tips to get your started.
It isn't all about how much water you use - it's also about when you use it. You may be surprised to learn that it saves energy and is less strain on water treatment facilities if you hold off on jobs like doing laundry and using dishwashers until non-peak hours (after 10:00 pm).
Other ways to save water in your home require either simply being more aware of how you use water or the simple installation of water-saving features on home appliances.
In the Bathroom: You can install low-flow shower heads to reduce the standard water rate from 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.6 gallons per minute. The newer designs feature aerators and larger water drops so that you don't notice the drop in water flow.
Low-flow toilets are one of the best ways you can reduce your water usage. In fact, 25% of water usage in the typical family home is flushed down the toilet! For those who want to take an even more drastic approach, there are now under-sink storage systems that hold all drainage from your sinks, including water from hand-washing, shaving and brushing your teeth. The water is then diverted into the toilet tank.
Consider a tankless hot water heater when you replace your current hot water heater. They heat water much faster than the traditional styles, eliminating the habit of letting water run while you wait for it to heat up before getting in the shower. Although more expensive initially, they will pay for themselves over five years time in reduced fuel bills.
Simpler actions (that don't require hardware or plumbing changes) that can save gallons which you can start today:
Turning off the water while brushing your teeth
Taking showers less than ten minutes long
Save the water from brushing, shaving and washing your face to water house plants.
In the Kitchen & Laundry: Aerators in your faucets will slow water flow without reducing pressure. Kitchen sinks and garbage disposals can be huge water wasters, particularly during food preparation. Rethink how you're using your sink and garbage disposal:
Catch water from washing fruits & vegetables and use to water plants.
Compost rather than using your garbage disposal
Don't use running water to rinse dishes; instead, use one side of a double sink or a large tub of hot water.
Dishwashers and washing machines should only be used when you have full loads - and be sure to set the machines on the appropriate setting for the load size.
Lawn and Garden Water Usage
Timing is one of the most important elements of water conservation in your garden and yard - water evaporation rates, soil conditions and wind can all change depending on time of day and drastically effect how much water is used.
Watering your grass early in the day or late in the evening, when its cooler and winds are lighter will allow more of the water to sink into the soil. You should also try to water in two or three short sessions rather than one long one to improve saturation and absorption and reduce run-off.
If you water your garden regularly, trade in your standard sprinkler system for a drip system that will soak the ground. Less water will evaporate or blow away. You can also water less frequently if you aerate your lawn before watering and mow your grass at the highest mower setting, which encourages a stronger root system to retain moister longer.
One of the best investments you can make is a rain barrel installed behind your home or garage to catch rain. A spigot installed near the bottom can be attached to your hose so you can easily water your garden and yard. You can also divert any rain water from your gutters to your garden with a soaker hose.
Plant Appropriately: Grass, which requires a great deal of water, isn't your best bet if you live in an area with limited water resources. Consider planting regional plants, native trees and plants that naturally conserve water in arid regions. Research Xeriscaping, creative landscaping to conserve water and eliminate the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
To maximize the water you do put on your plants, use compost when planting and mulch around your plants for nourishment and to maximize moisture retention in the soil.
Implementing even some of these measures is a step in the right direction. If each of us reduces our water usage on a daily basis, we can all breath a little easier knowing we are doing our part to conserve one of our most precious natural resources. 
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