Although water may seem like an abundant resource when we turn on the tap, we can always improve our habits to be better conservationists. Here are a few simple tips to save water (and money) where you can.

Got dirty dishes? Try scraping off food instead of pre-rinsing.

This not only saves up to 27 gallons of water per load, but many modern dishwashers and soaps perform better if there is a little food residue still on the dishes. Moreover, if you have an Energy Star certified dishwasher, you can save almost 5,000 gallons of water per year.

Check and fix leaks.

Even a tiny drip can cause a major loss of water. In fact, studies show household leaks contribute to more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted across the country per year, creating unnecessary water bill costs. Be sure to check out this website to see how you can find and fix leaks.

Shut off water when you can.

It may seem like common sense, but using only what’s necessary can make a big impact. Just by turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth or washing your hands, you can save around 1,500 gallons a year!