Indoor water use accounts for about half of your monthly water bill. Finding ways to use water more wisely in the home can lower water and energy costs. Studies show that dripping faucets and leaking toilets account for as much as 14% of all indoor water use, equivalent to 10 gallons (38 liters) per person of water lost per day. 

• The most common source of leaks is the toilet. Check toilets for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If after 15 minutes the dye shows up in the bowl, the toilet has a leak.
• Leaky toilets can usually be repaired inexpensively by replacing the flapper.

Check for Leaky Faucets

• The next place to check for leaks is your sink and bathtub faucets. A faucet that drips just seven times per minute can waste more than a gallon of water per day. Dripping faucets can usually be repaired by replacing the rubber O-ring or washer inside the valve. 

More Water Saving Tips for Inside Your House

• Install low-flow faucets and showerheads to improve indoor water-efficiency by more than 50 percent. Upgrade to a high-efficiency toilet and save 10,000 gallons of water per year.
• Reduce shower time by one minute to save 2,000 gallons per year.
• Upgrade to a high-efficiency washing machine to save more than 5,000 gallons each year.
• Run only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines to save up to 2,000 gallons a year.
• Turn off faucets while you're not using water, such as while brushing teeth or washing dishes.
• Insulate your hot water pipes and your electric water heater. Insulation will reduce the amount of time it takes for hot water to reach the tap, saving water and energy.
• If in the market for a new water softener, consider one with a "hardness sensor" that will automatically trigger regeneration as needed. This type of softener will make the most efficient use of both water and salt.
• Dishwashers - Only run your dishwasher when it is full to make the best use of water, energy and detergent. Cut down on the amount of rinsing you do before loading the dishwasher. Most modern dishwashers do an excellent job of cleaning dishes, pots and pans all by themselves.
• Clothes Washers - Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the machine to save both water and energy. If you can't wait for a full load, use the right water level to match the size of the load. When in the market for a new machine, consider a high efficiency model that will use an average of 30% less water and 40-50% less energy.

Water Saving Tips for Outside Your House

• Maintain a lawn height of 2 1/2 to 3 inches to help protect the roots from heat stress and reduce the loss of moisture to evaporation.
• Avoid planting turf in areas that are difficult to irrigate properly such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
• Aerate clay soils at least once a year to help the soil retain moisture.
• Promote deep root growth through a combination of proper watering, aerating, appropriate fertilization, thatch (grass clippings) control, and attention to lawn height. A lawn with deep roots requires less water and is more resistant to drought and disease.
• Mulch around plants, bushes and trees to help the soil retain moisture, discourage the growth of weeds, and provide essential nutrients.
• Plant in the spring or fall, when watering requirements are lower.
• When choosing plants, keep in mind that smaller ones require less water to become established.
• Collect rain water in a barrel and use it to water your garden 
• Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
• Sweep your driveway instead of spraying it with a hose.