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Entity explains how women can save water during a drought.

When you walk outside, you feel like you’re starring in your favorite Disney movie, “Aladdin.” It’s hot, dry and water is more of a mirage than a reality. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, as of May 2016, 11 percent of the U.S. is suffering from an extreme to moderate drought.

So how can you do your part in the world and conserve water? Here are some simple steps that every savvy woman should take!

Inside the House

1 Play “Where’s Waldo?” for leaks.

According to Earth Easy, a dripping facet can waste 20 gallons of water a day – just imagine how much water (and money) goes down the drain with larger leaks. You can test your toilet for leaks by putting a little food coloring in the tank. If, within 30 minutes and without flushing, you start seeing that color in the bowl you need to call a plumber or repair the leak yourself. Most replacement parts are cheap and easy to install, especially compared to a pricey water bill or guilty conscience.

2 Shower with water-saving power.

Love long showers? You might love them less knowing that showers can use five to ten gallons of water every minute. If you want to keep your long shower dates or just reduce water usage overall, try installing low-flow showerheads, which use less than 2.5 gallons of water per minute. As Earth Easy explains, you can also upgrade your existing showerhead with a ShowerStarter converter, which pauses a running shower once the water warms.

3 Consider water usage when in the kitchen.

Besides bathrooms, kitchens also love to suck up water. With a few quick fixes, though, you can bake that cake and save water in the process! For instance, Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo suggests only running the dishwasher when it’s full (finally: a valid excuse to wait to wash the dishes!) or, if washing dishes by hand, using a bucket of water instead of keeping the water running. In addition, reduce how often you use your dishwasher or even start composting, which would save water and vegetable waste.

4 When cleaning clothes, more is more.

You’ve probably heard the saying, “Less is more.” When it comes to conserving water when washing clothes, though, more clothes means more water saved. Not only do you want to only wash full loads of clothes, but you could also consider following Mercury News‘ advice and install a water-efficient washing machine. Compared to traditional washing machines, these can save up to 16 gallons of water a load – not to mention you might also be eligible for a rebate upon purchase.

5 Don’t Throw money down the sink.

How many times has your mother yelled, “Turn off the water!” as you brush your teeth? If she’s a savvy mama, then she’s said it plenty of times! According to Mercury News, turning off the water while you brush your teeth or shave saves 10 gallons a day. Men can further reduce water by cleaning their razors in a few inches of soapy sink water instead of under a running faucet.

Outside the House

1 Plan your plants.

If you own a yard, you probably want green grass, tall hedges and plenty of rose bushes. One thing you should consider before planting that flower garden is your water usage. If your yard already features plants that need a good amount of water, Earth Easy suggests several ways to control your usage, including:

  • Water during the early parts of the day (when the sun won’t evaporate the water – and, as an added bonus, when water will help fight garden pests).
  • Never water when it’s windy. Wind + water = water all over the street instead of your plants.
  • Only water how much your plants really need. One rule of thumb (or foot, in this case)? You know a lawn needs water when, if you step on it, it remains flat instead of springing back up.
  • Ensure that sprinklers don’t send water straight to the gutter.

If you have the chance to redesign or plant a new lawn, consider using drought-resistant foliage. Native plants tend to use less water and be less vulnerable to local plant diseases. If your yard slopes downward, include plants that will retain water and reduce runoff. It’s also a good idea to group plants by how much water they need.

2 Mulch makeover.

If you thought mulch only served to beautify a lawn, prepare to be surprised. Anna G. Eshoo advises laying mulch around trees and plants to lower water evaporation and keep the soil cool. Neighbors’ “oohs” and “ahhs” over your beautiful yard upgrade are just bonuses.

3 Go old school with outside cleaning.

Put down the hose and pick up a broom instead when cleaning your patio, front lawn or sidewalk. According to Mercury News, this simple change can save eight to 18 gallons of water per minute – not to mention, you’ll probably score a decent arm workout! When washing your car, you should also ditch the hose for a bucket of soapy water and a sponge.

As it turns out, #womenthatdo conserve water and aren’t afraid to get a little dirty while doing it!

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