Journal-News.com

Lots of water runs uselessly down the drain each time you reach for another plate to rinse before loading the dishwasher.

Water can be saved by scraping as much food as possible into the garbage disposal, filling the disposal side of the sink with water and finishing rinsing the dishes in the water before running the disposal and loading the dish washer.

Think before dumping any water down the drain. Could it be used to water plants or for a cleaning project? Water used to boil vegetables, for instance, could be used in another recipe or even cooled and poured on a flowerbed.

Some other household water conservation tips:

• Instead of running the tap water until it is cold enough to drink, keep water in the refrigerator.

• Don't let the water run while you're shaving, putting toothpaste on the brush or scrubbing your teeth.

• Instead of rinsing dishes under running water, fill the second sink or a dishpan with rinse water.

• When cleaning vegetables, wash them in a container of water instead of under running water.

• When possible, close the drain and use a sink full of water to do a job instead of doing the same job under running water.

• Instead of putting a glass of water at each place during dinner, ask who wants water to drink.

• Put birdbaths in the shade. This not only conserves water by slowing evaporation but it also slows down the growth of algae, thus requiring less water to clean the birdbath.

• When watering plants, do so in the morning, before the day heats up, to reduce evaporation.

• When watering garden plants, use a nozzle or soaker hose that gets the water to the roots of the plant without watering the surrounding sidewalks and unplanted areas.

• When waiting for the tap water to get hot, collect the cool water and save it for watering flowers or other uses.

• Check for, and fix, dripping faucets, leaking water hoses and toilet water tanks that over fill or leak.

• When cleaning, fill a bucket or sink with soapy water instead of constantly cleansing the sponge under the facet.

• Fill the bathtub to a more shallow level or take the shortest shower possible.

• Make sure dish washers and clothes washers are full before running, or, if possible, adjust the water level to match the load size.

• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean the driveway, patio or sidewalk.

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• imit the use of a hose when washing the car and don't leave it running. Use a bucket of water, except to rinse the car.

For more water conservation ideas, visit these Web sites:

• Water Conservation Tips

• Water Conservation Portal

• American Water Works Association

Contact this writer at dsb@donet.com.