Most of us know we can save water if we turn off the tap while brushing our teeth, but it’s easy to overlook some other simple ways to save. As Earth Day approaches on April 22, it’s a good time to start conserving water at home. Despite the fact that our supply of water seems endless, it’s not. California is seeing an extreme drought and it reminds us that we should conserve water as well. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 26 billion gallons of water are consumed daily in the United States. Of that, approximately 7.8 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is used outdoors. A typical household uses approximately 260 gallons of water every day. That’s a lot of H2O!- Fix the Leaks – Be sure to repair leaks in fixtures, pipes, and toilets. Dripping faucets and running toilets can waste thousands of gallons of water. - Buy Water-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures – When it’s time to replace, look for WaterSense and ENERGYSTAR water-efficient appliances and accessories that meet water efficiency guidelines. - Landscape Thoughtfully – Choose native plants for your yard. They require less water and will adapt to local conditions.- Keep your Shower Short – A 4 minute shower can use up to 40 gallons of water so don’t start your water until you are ready to jump in. A low flow showerhead will help as well.- Collect It – Lawn and gardens use a lot of water during the summer. Set up a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for future outdoor use. Reusing rain water can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water per year.- Give it a Deep Soak – When watering your lawn, soak it completely so the water reaches the roots. A light sprinkle will evaporate. Also, don’t water on windy days and do it early in the morning to prevent fungus growth.