Saving Water
 Using less water is a twofer: you make your water heater work less and reduce your water bill. Those of us who have hydro-electric power learned this winter that the more water we use, the less that is left in the reservoir to drive the generators that send us electricity. The less water left in the reservoir, the higher our electricity bills. So:
Use low-flow showerheads on your showers and faucet aerators on your faucets. They use about half as much hot water as regular showerheads and faucets.
Repair leaky faucets. Repair leaky toilets while you're at it.
Run garbage disposals with cold water, not warm or hot.
Take showers instead of baths. Unless you take hour-long showers. By the way, take shorter showers.
Only read this next tip if you are over 18. Shower with a friend. This only saves energy if you do not get carried away and spend extra time with the water running.
Keep your pools, spas and hot tubs covered and the heat off or on low when you are not actually in them. If you can afford a hot tub or spa, you can afford a tight-fitting, insulated cover.
Finally, turn the water off. (Shaving: stroke, turn water on, rinse, turn water off, repeat. Washing hands: water on, wet hands, water off, lather, water on, rinse, water off. You get the idea.) Modern technology has even come up with a way to make this easy. There are faucets now that have infrared sensors to detect when objects (hands, razors, toothbrushes) enter the beam's range. They turn the water on and off so you don't even have to think about it. Faucets like these are no longer just for airports. You can now put one in your own home.
Look for more tips on ways to save water in the sections on Laundry and Dishwashing.
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