(BLACK PR WIRE) -- The availability of water is something we Americans tend to take for granted, not thinking about it until some unusual circumstance makes water scarce. As hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, the wildfires in California, and the droughts in Georgia and Alabama have shown us, natural disasters know no socioeconomic or geographic barrier. When they do hit, water is often the first resource most in need and most lacking at the same time. Conserving water should be a lifestyle habit, not something to frantically practice in a sudden emergency.

Many of us run water, sometimes for several minutes, waiting for our bath or shower to get to the right temperature. Then there’s the water people have after boiling food. Instead of losing good water down the drain, save it for watering plants, washing your car, bathing your pets, doing housecleaning, washing dishes by hand or rinsing vegetables. The following ideas are additional ways you can increase water conservation, as well as decrease your water bill:

• Keep all of your faucets and spigots in your home and yard working properly, and get leaks fixed as soon as possible.

• If you are purchasing new appliances that use water, look for models with good water efficiency.

• Only use your dish and clothes washing machines when they are at full capacity.

• Avoid flushing non-waste products in the toilet if they can be tossed into the garbage.

• If you use a hose to water your lawn or plants, only water them when necessary. If you use sprinklers, position them so that the water disperses in the right area.

• Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth or rinsing dishes until you actually need it.

• Instead of water ice cubes, freeze reusable plastic cubes to keep food and drinks cold.

• Take showers instead of baths, and install water-efficient shower heads.