• Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy way to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
• Water outdoors in the early morning. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation by watering during midday.
• Use drip irrigation systems in gardens and landscaping instead of hose sprayers or sprinklers

Simple changes can be made when working outside that can make a difference. For more tips, please visit the American Water website.

Saving water can be as easy as check, twist, replace.

• Check toilets for leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within 15 minutes. (Make sure to flush when the test is done, since food coloring can stain the tank.) The fix may be as easy as replacing a flapper.
• Twist on a faucet aerator. Installing a WaterSense labeled aerator is one of the most cost-effective ways to save water. You'll use 30 percent less water without a noticeable difference in flow.
• Replace an old showerhead with a WaterSense labeled model. This can save 2,300 gallons of water in a year and enough electricity to power your home for 10 days. You can also save $50 every year on utility bills.

Simple changes made at home can add up to big savings. For more tips and information, visit us at EPA WaterSense.

Each year, millions of people enjoy camping or hiking in the great outdoors. Here are a few tips for going lightly on the land and protecting water sources in our precious parks and urban green spaces:

• Locate your campsite at least 100 yards from any water source.
• Pack out what you pack in. Help keep our parks litter free.
• Practice proper human and pet waste disposal.
• Wash dishes away from water resources and use phosphate-free dish detergent.

For more information about the Student Conservation Association, please click here.