1. By Laura Brooks

2.  An average home uses more than 200 gallons of water per day  Clothes washer  Dishwasher  Faucet  Showerhead  Leaks  Toilet

3.  21.7% of water use; 56,000 gallons/year  Operate only full loads and/or use correct volume settings  Consider replacement - old washers use approximately 41 gallons per load, while new high- efficiency machines use only 23 gallons

4.  1.4% of water use; 3600 gallons/year  Wash full loads  Consider replacement - reduce by 30-50% water usage per load

5.  16% of water use; 35,000 gallons/year  Turn off the water running while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing  Catch "warm-up" water and use for plants  Consider installing low flow restrictors/aerators to faucets ($2-4)

6.  16% of water use; 37,000 gallons/year  Take shorter showers (typical shower lasts 8 minutes and uses 17 gallons; an efficient shower lasts 3 or 4 minutes and uses 7.5 gallons)

7.  14% of water use; 30,000 gallons/year  Check for and repair toilet leaks - will waste from 30 to 500 gallons of water per day  Fix faucet leaks (usually a washer will work) - a gradual dripping faucet can leak up to 5 gallons of water per day  Irrigation systems typically leak 20-40%

8.  27% of water use; 60,000 gallons/year  Offset older toilets with a plastic jug of pebbles and water to minimize flushing  Flush less frequently

9.  Ever use your toilet as a waste basket?  NEVER use YOUR TOILET as a WASTE BASKET. It will mess up your toilet system. Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.  Take short showers instead of tub baths. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.  If you must use a tub, close the drain before turning on the water and fill the tub only half full.  Bathe small children together.

10.  Here are some examples:  Dishes--washing by hand: 10-20 gallons  Dishes--with dishwasher: 25 gallons per load  Washing hands, brushing teeth: 10-20 gallons  Bath: 30-40 gallons  Shower: 30-60 gallons [6-10 gallons per minute]  Clothes washing: 30-32 gallons per load  Flushing a regular toilet: 5 gallons per flush  Flushing a water-saving toilet: 1.6 gallons per flush  Sink use per day: 20 gallons  Yard hose [3/4"]: 300 gallons per hour.  These are some things in your home that use to much water.