17. Water your lawn and garden, and wash your car only when absolutely necessary.

18. Use water-efficient sprinklers and timing devices to aid absorption by the soil. These items are widely available at garden and hardware stores where they can be purchased at low cost. Watering the sidewalk, gutter or street wastes water.

19. Water your lawn in the morning before 10 a. m. to avoid rapid evaporation. Evening watering is an acceptable second choice but in some locations runs the risk of fostering mildew growth on your grass.

20. Water root areas of your plants, preferably with a drip irrigation system which can save up to 60% over other watering techniques.

21. Use a broom, not a hose, when cleaning driveways and walkways.

22. Wash your car with a bucket and a hose with a shut off nozzle. Wash one section of the car at a time and rinse it quickly. Use a hose that is high-pressure, low- volume, and has a pistol grip nozzle.

23. Locate and label the master water supply valve for ease of response in case of a major leak or broken pipe. Consider turning off your water and hot water heater when going on a trip.