Try planting drought-tolerant and regionally adapted plants in areas that are hard to water or that receive little use. This may include narrow strips near sidewalks or driveways and steep hills.

Cover pools and spas to avoid evaporation.

Sweep your driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of spraying them off with a hose.

Check outdoor faucets, pipes, hoses and pools for leaks.

Change your lawn mower to a 3-inch clipping height and try not to cut off more than one-third of the grass height when you mow.

Consider replacing infrequently used lawn areas with low-water use plants or ground covers.

Apply as little fertilizer to your lawn as possible. Applying excess fertilizer increases water consumption and actually creates more mowing for you! Use iron-based fertilizers to simply "green-up" your lawn instead.

Recycle and reuse the water in fountains and other ornamental water fixtures.

Check the level in your pool using a grease pencil. Your pool shouldn't lose more than ¼ inch each day. If it is losing more than this, check elsewhere for leaks.

Avoid bursting or freezing pipes by winterizing your outdoor spigots.

Use a bucket of soapy water to wash your car, or simply place a shut-off nozzle on the end of your hose.