HERE ARE SOME RECOMMENDED TIPS:

■ A good way to check for leaks is, if your property is metered, to read your water meter and not use any water for a couple of hours then go back to check that the meter reads exactly the same;

■ We’re more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor taps, sprinklers and hoses for leaks;

■ Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month;

■ Grab a wrench and fix that leaky tap. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week;

■ Teach your children to turn off taps tightly after each use;

■ Only use the washing machine and the dishwasher when you can put on a full load. It wastes both water and energy to run only a half-full machine;

■ Upgrade older toilets with waterefficient models;

■ Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks;

■ Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimise evaporation;

■ Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap;

■ Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time;

■ Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, and then reuse it to water houseplants;

■ Put food colouring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1000 gallons a month.