The importance of water conversation cannot be emphasized enough – especially when you consider that fresh, clean water is a limited resource. Moreover, the less water that’s wasted by humans means less clean water will become contaminated.

The good news is that there are hundreds of ways that you can save water in your home, garden, or landscape, including these following tips.

• Use Mulch

Weeds don’t just look bad in your garden, they also steal valuable moisture from your plants. Applying a layer of mulch is an excellent form of chemical-free weed control and it’s air and water permeable.

• Make a Rain Barrel

A rain barrel will not only save on water usage but also save you a significant amount of money on your utility bill. Moreover, you can collect more than a thousand gallons of water a year in most areas of North America. Just make sure that they’re legal in your area.

Here’s how to make a rain barrel. 

• Shorten Your Shower

Shortening your shower by even one or two minutes will save up to 150 gallons of water per month.

• Add a Shut-Off Device to Your Hose

Adding a shut-off device to your garden hose saves water when you’re walking from one area of your garden or lawn to another.

• Use Your Irrigation System Wisely

Make sure that your sprinklers and other irrigation devices are only watering the intended areas of your garden or landscape – and not your sidewalk, driveway, or street.

• Use a Soaker Hose

A soaker hose slowly drips water into the soil and doesn’t lose water to evaporation (like sprinklers). Cover it with mulch for extra savings.

• Use a Timer

Installing a faucet-mounted timer will shut off your sprinklers for you.

• Fix Hose Leaks

Switching out a worn O-ring is an easy way to fix leaky hose ends. Also, patch holes in the middle of the hose or simply buy a new hose.

• Water “Like-Minded” Plants

Grouping plants together with the same watering needs will keep you from overwatering some plants while underwatering others.