The average person uses as much as 100 gallons of water a day. Much of this water use is inside the home. Activities such as bathing or showering, doing the laundry and dishes, and cooking make a large contribution to the amount of water used indoors.

"We can help conserve this important resource by developing some common-sense, water-saving habits. Making small changes in our lifestyles can add up to big savings in water use," said Linda Heaton, Extension specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Heaton suggested these things citizens can do to help conserve water in the home.

Turn off the tap while shaving and brushing teeth to save about 10 gallons of water.

Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket. You can save nearly four gallons of water by limiting the number of times you flush the toilet.

Spending two minutes less in the shower saves five to nine gallons of water.

Using the dishwasher's short cycle conserves six gallons per wash.

When doing the laundry, remember to wash full loads and limit partial loads of clothes. A typical clothes washer can use up to 20 gallons of water. When you do have to run small loads, be sure to adjust the water settings accordingly.

If you are buying a new water-using appliance or showerhead, consider buying a product that uses less water.

"By following these guidelines, our combined efforts will go a long way toward conserving water this summer. Water conservation is always important but especially now when much of Kentucky is experiencing a severe drought," Heaton said.

Source: Linda Heaton (606) 257-7775