How to save water on this drought-ridden Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day. So turn off the faucet when you're brushing your teeth already!

(No, really.)

All joking aside, you've likely seen headlines that California is in a massive drought and for the first time has implemented mandatory water-conservation rules. The new rules ban restaurants, bars and hotels from serving water unless it's explicitly asked for and limit professional lawn watering to two days a week, among other measures.

But saving water is not just an imminent issue in California, and making personal, water-saving changes should not have to come from a law or mandate. In the next decade, 40 states expect to see water shortages, according to a government watchdog group.

Wherever you live, it's worth remembering that water can become a scarce resource. Check out what you can do to conserve our precious H20.

Take a look, with tips courtesy of WaterSense, a partnership sponsored by the EPA:

Wait for a full load. Most front-loading washing machines are more energy- and water-efficient than top-loading machines.

Second-guess your bath. It takes about 70 gallons to fill a bathtub, so stick with showers to get clean.

Use a dishwasher. Contrary to popular belief, using a dishwashing machine — and especially waiting for a full load to run it — can save more than 15 gallons per load.

Fix your leaks. Almost 10 gallons are lost per person every day because of leaks, including in faucets and toilets. Fix your leaks, and you've made a substantial improvement to your water footprint.

Think before you water. Almost 60% of a person's household water consumption comes from maintaining a lawn and garden. Turn off sprinklers and hoses when you are not using them.

Be water sensible. Check out WaterSense, an EPA Partnership Program, for more information to conserve water. Happy Earth Day!

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