By making a few simple changes in how you use water, you can have a big impact on the environment and on your water bill. Here's how to use less water.

You probably already know the importance of water conservation. Surprisingly small changes in water usage habits can have a big impact both on the environment as well as on your water bill. By making a few simple changes in the way you use water, you can make a difference both now and for future generations. Here's how to use less water:

1.Stop Hogging the Shower

If you're accustomed to taking twenty minute showers, you could be wasting a considerable amount of water. For each additional minute you add to your shower time, you're increasing water consumption by around a thousand gallons per year. Try to restrict your showers to five minute or less and watch your water bill go down.

2.Keep Your Toilet in Good Working Order

Buy a low flow toilet and make sure it stays in good working order. Check the handles to make sure they don't stick when you flush. Check your toilet for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If it appears in your toilet, you have a leak that needs to be repaired.

3.Use Less Water When You Brush Your Teeth

Instead of running the water the entire time you're brushing your teeth, use water only for a quick rinse. If everyone in your family were to do this, imagine how much money you'd save.

4.Keep a Jug of Drinking Water in the Refrigerator

Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator and encourage your family to fill their glasses from it. This will eliminate repeated trips to the sink to get drinking water.

5. Cut Down on Use of Dishwashers, Washers, and Sryers

Don't run your dishwasher when it's only half full. The same goes for washers and dryers. These appliances are big water users. Use them as infrequently as possible.

6.Install a New Shower Head

Replace your current shower head with a low flow model and you'll reduce your water consumption by seventy-five percent.

7. Wash Veggies in a Bowl

Instead of washing fruits and veggies under running water, fill a pan with clean water and gently brush your fruits and vegetables with a soft brush while in the water to remove pesticide residue and debris. This is an easy way to use less water and still clean fruits and vegetables properly.

Be aware of how you're using water on a daily basis. The key to making positive changes is to be more conscious and aware of how you're using our most precious resource, water.

通过用水方式上几个简单的变化，就可能对环境和你的水费帐单有大的影响。这里是一些节水的办法。

你可能已经知道节约用水的重要性。令人惊讶的是，在用水习惯上几个小的变化，就可能对环境以及对你水费帐单有大的影响。通过用水方式上几个简单的变化，你就可以在现在并且为未来的几代人起重要作用。这里是一些节水的办法：

1.停掉长时间猛冲的淋浴

如果你习惯于二十分钟的淋浴，你可能会浪费相当数量的水。每增加一分钟淋浴时间，每年就会增加大约一千加仑的用水量。尝试限制你的淋浴时间到五分钟或者更少，并且观察你的水费帐单的下降。

2.保持你的厕所处于良好工作状态

购买低水量马桶，并且确保其处于良好工作状态。检查手柄按键，确保在你冲水时它们不被粘住。通过向水箱中加入食用色素检查你的厕所的漏水情况。如果颜色在马桶中出现，说明有泄漏需要修理。

3.刷牙时使用较少的水

在整个刷牙时间不要使用流水，只是在快速冲洗时使用水。如果家里的每个人都这样做，试想你会省多少钱。

4.在冰箱里保持一罐饮用水

在冰箱里保持一瓶饮用水，并且鼓励你的家人从这个瓶子向他们的玻璃杯倒水。这将消除重复来往洗碗池去获得饮用水。

5.减少洗碗机、洗衣机和干衣机的使用次数

不运行只有装满一半的洗碗机。洗衣机和干衣机也同样。这些设备都是用水大户。尽可能地不要经常使用它们。

6.安装一个新的淋浴头

用低流量型式的淋浴头更换你现在使用的淋浴头，你将降低你的用水量的 75％。

7.在一个盆里清洗蔬菜

而不是在流水下冲洗水果和蔬菜。在盆中装上干净的水，用软刷轻轻刷洗你的水果和蔬菜，同时在这个水中清除残留的农药和洗涤残余物。这是一种使用较少的水并且仍然妥善清洗水果和蔬菜的便利方法。

要知道你每天如何使用水。作出积极变化的关键是要更加自觉并且意识到你是如何使用我们最宝贵的资源——水。