Taking steps to reduce water use prevents strain on wetland habitats that mammals, birds, frogs and fish rely on for food and shelter. Many sources of water are being used at unsustainable rates - water is being withdrawn faster than the source can be replenished. Additionally, all water in America, regardless of source, is treated and cleaned before and after use, an energy- and chemical-intensive process. This means that using less water not only helps preserve our nation's aquatic ecosystems, it also saves energy.

• Reduce water waste. Replace showerheads with low-flow versions and repair dripping faucets by installing new washers.
• A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm), so even a ten-minute shower can consume 25 gallons! Low-flow showerheads, which use as little as 1.5 gpm, are an easy way to cut your water use by 40–70 percent. [1]
• A faucet that drips at the rate of one drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year! [2]
• Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth and shaving
• Get the most out of your rinse cycle—wait until you have a full load to run the dishwasher or washing machine
• Save water with every flush by filling a plastic half-gallon milk jug with gravel and adding it to the water tank of your toilet
• Look for a water-saving model when it's time to replace your washing machine
• Add native plants to your yard, garden or window box—they bloom just as beautifully and require less water than introduced plants
• Choose at least one day a week to eat meat-free meals.
• Animal products are the most resource-intensive foods on the table, and eating less of them can be the single greenest move a person makes. Producing meat substantial amounts of water as well as grain, land and other inputs, including hormones and antibiotics. A pound of beef requires approximately 12,000 gallons of water to produce compared to 60 gallons for a pound of potatoes [3].

For more ideas on how to save water, check out the EPA National Water Program.