Representing almost a third of a household’s total indoor consumption, toilets are the biggest source of water use in your home.

Think of it this way: The average American shower uses 17.2 gallons of water and lasts up to 8 minutes – that’s a lot of water.

You should consider switching to a low-flow showerhead, which uses about 2 gallons of water per minute.

The US News reports that an average household can leak more than 10,000 gallons of water per year. It’s important to keep an eye out for leaks around your toilet, faucets, hose bibbs, and any other plumbing fixture that you use often. Repair or replace leaking water lines as soon as possible, and keep an eye on your water bill month to month to spot hidden leaks.

Ensure that each load of laundry you do is pretty full. This will be more cost-effective in the long run.

If you have the habit of running the water when you’re brushing your teeth, simply remind yourself to turn it off. If you think about it, there is no reason the water needs to be running.

During the summertime, it’s best to water your lawn in the morning (5-10am) because the air is cooler and water evaporates more slowly. Additionally, it’s really only necessary to water twice a week … MAX!

Instead, fill up your sink with soap and water and let the dishes soak. After a few minutes, go ahead and wash them off!

Make sure your dishwasher is completely full before you run it. In fact, you should consider running it on a “light” cycle if a “normal cycle” isn’t necessary.