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If you have a nonconserving toilet (a 3.5 gallon flush or greater), retrofit the toilet with a water-saving device. There are several options that you can discuss with your local hardware professional, but an easy and quick fix involves placing one or two weighted bottles in the toilet tank to displace water flushed. Fill one-quart plastic beverage bottles with water for each nonconserving toilet in your home, and submerge first one, then two if necessary, inside each toilet tank. With each flush you will save water equal to the amount you've displaced, and thousands of gallons a year. Note: Be sure the bottle does not interfere with the operating parts.

Fix all leaks. In fact, leaks waste so much water that you should check for leaks. To check for leaks, turn off all water in the house. Next, read your water meter, wait one hour (make sure no water is turned on during this period), and read the meter again. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak. Fixing leaks you can identify may be as simple as replacing a washer or tightening a connection. If you do have to hire a plumber to locate and/or fix a leak, the money will be offset by the savings on your water bill.

To save water in the shower, turn the water off while you lather up. If you're handy, you may want to install a water-control valve on your showerhead. The advantage of a valve is that it keeps the water (hot and cold) mixed while shut off.