Save Water! Green Water!

[natalie]

[LIST][*]Look for alternate ways to use waste water instead of running it down the drain.[*]Don’t flush toilets unnecessarily.[*]Check water tanks & pipes for any leaks.[*]Avoid keeping the tap open while you wash your face, shave or brush your teeth. [*]Do not install water softening systems unless genuinely required. This saves both salt & water.[*]Stopper tub before filling it with water & fill only enough water required for bath. [*]Repair dripping faucets with washers at the earliest.[*]If you have a well at home, check water pumps. [*]Operate automatic cloth & dish washers only when they are fully loaded.[/LIST]

[GreenTiger]

Good natalie, some more here :
1.Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using.
2.When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
3.Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
4.Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.
5.Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50% to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.
6.Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce heating costs for your household.
7.. Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
8.Never install a water-to-air heat pump or air-conditioning system. Air-to-air models are just as efficient and do not waste water.
9.Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.
10.Check your pump. If you have a well at your home, listen to see if the pump kicks on and off while the water is not in use. If it does, you have a leak.
11.When adjusting water temperatures, instead of turning water flow up, try turning it down. If the water is too hot or cold, turn the offender down rather than increasing water flow to balance the temperatures.
12.If the toilet flush handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.