Water is essential to all life on Earth. More than 80 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but only 34 percent is fresh and usable to humans. Indiana has about 253 square miles of lakes and streams, with vast reserves of underground water. This vital water supply must be maintained and protected. Indiana's state and local agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations, are working to protect and improve our water resources-but there is a lot you can do to add a "drop in the bucket."

Conserving water indoors

Fix leaks in washers, pipes, and utility parts as needed.

Flush the toilet only when necessary.

Take shorter showers or turn off the water as you soap up.

Turn the water off as you brush your teeth.

Install ultra low-flow faucets and showerheads.

Catch rinse water in a bowl or bucket for other uses, such as watering plants and cleaning.

Run automatic dishwashers and clothes washers fully loaded or set the water level for the load size.

Start a compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal, which requires running water to operate.

Insulate water pipes so you don't have to run the water to get it hot.

If the water is too hot or cold, turn the offender down before turning the other one up.

Defrost frozen food overnight in the refrigerator instead of using running water to thaw.

Repair water leaks promptly.

Outdoor water smarts

Don't water your lawn. If you do, once every 5 to 7 days is plenty to preserve turf grass.

Water your garden during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest to reduce losses from evaporation.

Don't fertilize your lawn. Some nitrogen and phosphorous from most fertilizers run off, ending up polluting lakes and streams.

Mulch to retain moisture in the soil and control weeds that compete with plants for water.

Plant native and drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees.

Go to a car wash rather than washing your car yourself. The carwash recycles and cleans the water, which may contain oil, gas and coolants.

Encourage your schools and local government to develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.

Don't litter. Litter can clog storm drains, causing localized flooding. Also, litter in storm drains ends up in our waterways.

Don't pour oil, paint, solvents and other chemicals into storm drains, on the street, or on the ground. Take them to local recycling or disposal facilities.

Pick up pet waste. If you walk your dog, bring a bag along. When you get home, dispose of the pet waste in the toilet or trash. Pick up pet waste in your own yard regularly too.

Wash your pet indoors using shampoo that is as non-toxic as possible. Don't wash your pet outdoors where the water runoff can enter storm drains.

Support local water quality efforts. For example, volunteer to be a water monitor.

For more information, visit:

Clean Water Indiana: www.in.gov/isda/soil/index.html

Household Hazardous Waste: www.in.gov/idem/useyourbrain

Indiana Department of Environmental Management - Water Quality: www.in.gov/idem/water

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Water: www.epa.gov/OW/index.html