In the Garden

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean off your driveway or sidewalk.
Conserve water by mulching and by using a soaker hose or drip system.
Install a drip-irrigation water system for valuable plants.
Use drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
Cut your grass at least three inches high to shade the roots, making it more drought tolerant; keep your mower sharp for the healthiest grass.
Try to water only in the evening or very early morning to minimize evaporation.

Wash your car less often or wash it at a car wash where they clean and recycle the water. If you do wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water rather than running the hose. Keep a spring-loaded nozzle on the hose.
If you use porous pavement (gravel is a good example) instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways, the rain can recharge groundwater supplies instead of running off and contributing to erosion.
Using native plantings instead of lawn grasses will help filter and retain water locally due to deeper root systems thereby reducing runoff.
Collect storm water in rain gardens and rain barrels.
Reduce impervious surfaces around your home.

Use organic or low-impact gardening and watering techniques.
Use native plants to lower water and pesticide needs.
To find out what nutrients your lawn needs, test the soil through your local USDA Cooperative Extension System Office or home kit. Only Use What's Needed!
If you use fertilizer, use a slow-release type no more than twice per year.
Read the Label on any and all pesticides you use to be sure you use them properly.
Use Integrated Pest Management techniques, an effective strategy to prevent pest damage.

Reduce turf grass to less than 75% of the total area. Replace lawn with native trees and shrubs,flowerbeds and ground covers.
Use a mulching mower to shred grass clippings and leave them on the lawn.
Compost yard waste.