The average American household uses more than 300 gallons of water a day, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 40 out of 50 states will experience some form of water shortage over the next 10 years. Reduce your family’s water use by following these simple water-smart practices in your home:

• Invest in water-efficient household products, such as shower heads, faucets, toilets, lawn irrigation controllers, and appliances. Look for the EPA’s WaterSense label before you buy!
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash can.
• Fix all dripping faucets; replacing the worn washers will often be the quickest and cheapest remedy.
• Use a timer to avoid watering your lawn and plants longer than necessary. Check your sprinklers for leaks, and redirect the spray so you’re not watering the house, driveway, or sidewalks.
• Defrost food in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave instead of running cold water over the frozen food.
• Operate washing machines and dishwashers only when fully loaded.