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OUTDOORS

• Lawns only need watering once every two to three days in the summer and once every seven to 10 days in the winter.

• Put empty tuna cans in the yard to determine how much water your irrigation system puts on the lawn in a half-hour. Lawns only need one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water at a time.

• Don’t water streets or driveways. Install drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses for plant beds and shrubs.

• Landscape with water-thrifty plants. Group plants together based on similar water needs. Use mulch to retain moisture.

• Don’t cut the grass too short; roots will grow deeper and taller grass blades will shade the ground and hold moisture. Raise your lawn mower to the highest setting or at least 3 inches.

• Use fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-soluble nitrogen. Don’t overfertilize; it increases the need for water.

• Put an automatic shut-off nozzle on your hose and turn the water off at the spigot to avoid leaks.

• No automatic sprinkler system? Use a kitchen timer to remind you to turn off the water.

• Use a broom or blower _ not a hose _ to clean leaves and clippings off sidewalks and driveways.

• Wash your car on the grass so water can soak into the ground or use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

INDOORS

• Check for leaks by reading your water meter. If the readings are different before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used, you have a leak.

• Run dishwashers only with a full load. Set washing machines to the proper-sized load.

• Limit showers to under five minutes and install low-flow shower heads.

• Instead of pouring water down the drain, use it to water plants. Put a bucket in the shower to catch extra water.

• Replace washers in leaky faucets. Retrofit faucets with aerators with flow restricters. Repair toilet handles that stick in the flush position.

• Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or in the microwave, not with running water.

• Turn off the shower when lathering up. Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Don’t waste water waiting for it to get cool or heat up. Instead, store ice water in the refrigerator or capture it for other purposes.

• If you have a well, check to make sure the pump doesn’t kick on and off when water isn’t being used. If it does, you have a leak.

• Don’t dispose of tissues or bugs by flushing them down the toilet. Use a garbage can.

Source: South Florida Water Management District.

For more information, call 1-800-662-8876 or go to www.sfwmd.gov/conserve.