California often suffers from droughts, but this past year, the state has seen its worst drought ever. Even if you don’t live in California, its always good to conserve water. Here are 5 tips on strategically save and maximize water.

1.Capture water and use it later!

Say it’s raining, or you are waiting for your shower to warm up. Don’t just let that water go to waste! Capture the cold water in a bucket and use it for plants, for example.

2. Take a shorter shower!

You’s be surprised at how much water you use during a shower. Try to cut 10 minutes off of your leisurely shower, and you could be saving gallons of water.

3. Fix your leaks!

If you have a leaky faucet or shower, make sure to repair it. It may seem like the only drip, but little drips can amount to a lot of water if left unnoticed.

4. Go to a car wash!

Commercial car wash places usually use recycled water. You might save money washing your car at your own house, but you’ll be wasting a lot of water.

5. Hand wash your dishes!

Using a standard washing machine can use up to 14 gallons per load. So instead of wasting all that water, put a stop in the drain and pool the water in the sink. You can effectively wash your dishes without shutting your faucet on and off.

It might seem difficult to conserve water, but you can make changes that aren’t drastic. Even if you don’t live in a drought prone state like California, your community and the world will benefit. Check out this website for more info on the California Drought.