At first glance, water seems abundant in our community. Go for a walk or drive, and you will pass many creeks and streams that flow into the Allegheny River. Rain falls consistently, and just when you think your grass needs the sprinkler a thunderstorm rolls in and the sky opens.

Last week many of us were caught off guard by the water main break. For just a few short hours we were asked to conserve water while it was being fixed. A similar problem occurred last winter with the heavy snowstorms. In these rare instances when we’re asked to conserve water, it can be just a minor convenience. Yet it wouldn’t seem this way if we established water saving habits throughout the year.

Why conserve water? Regardless of how much water an area receives through rainfall, its proximity to lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, most communities use 30-35% of their municipal energy for water and wastewater facilities. Even though water may seem abundant to us, the water that comes out of our tap is processed to the point where it’s safe for human consumption. If you waste it, you’re wasting all the energy that was used to make the water safe to drink. Likewise, the water that goes down the drain has to be treated by a wastewater facility, which also uses energy.

Here are some ideas for saving water at home:

1. When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water. Similarly, don’t let the water run while you are brushing your teeth. Turn the water off after you wet your toothbrush and turn it on to rinse.
2. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
3. For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
4. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
5. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
6. Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
7. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
8. Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
9. Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
10.  Visit these websites for additional water saving tips: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php (the resource for the above tips)