• Front-loading washing machines use less water and detergent.Martin Poole/Lifesize/Getty Images
  
  According to the Environmental Protection Agency, less than 1 percent of the Earth's water is usable by man. With this miniscule amount of water and the world's growing population, it's important to conserve and use it wisely. A typical household uses approximately 260 gallons per day. The EPA reports one person can save 3,000 gallons of water per year just by turning off the water tap while brushing his teeth. You should repair leaks, decrease lawn watering and install more efficient appliances.
  
  

WaterSense and EnergyStar Programs

• The EPA sponsors these programs to identify high-performance, water-efficient appliances, fixtures, water systems and accessories to reduce water use. The WaterSense label identifies appliances that will save water and energy. In 1992, the Energy Policy Act mandated the use of more energy-efficient vehicles and appliances.
  
  

Toilets

• Toilets manufactured before 1992 use up to 3.5 gallons per flush, and replacing them with WaterSense ones could save nearly 2 billion gallons of water per day. The EPA estimates that high-efficiency toilets can save a family of four an average of $2,000 over the toilet's lifetime. Some have dual-flush technology with two flush volumes: full flush for solid waste and a reduced flush for liquids.
  
  Composting toilets are easy to use, require little or no water and can be the answer to sanitation problems in rural areas or places without a sewer system.
  
  

Washing Machines

• The average machine uses about 41 gallons per load and is the second highest household water user. High efficiency washers use 30 to 50 percent less water and 50 percent less energy. Front-loaders are more efficient and use less water. Select a washer with a low water factor, the number of gallons per cycle per cubic foot that a washer uses, to save water.
  
  

Dishwashers

• Newer, more efficient EnergyStar models may use as little as 4.5 gallons but competitively priced units use 6 to 7 gallons. Pre-1980 models use 9.5 to 14 gallons per wash. Load the dishwasher completely to save water.
  
  

Water Heater

• Water heaters connected to heating systems are more energy-efficient.?¡ê???¡ì???¡é???? ?a???2?£¤?????-???? image by YURY MARYUNIN from Fotolia.com
  
  The water heater accounts for approximately 13 percent of the utility bill and consumes 14 to 25 percent of household energy use. Solar and heat-pump operated tanks are the most economical. An insulation blanket can help reduce costs.
  
  

Faucets

• Changing a type of faucet can save a great deal of water.faucet image by Laura Dynan from Fotolia.com
  
  More than 15 percent of indoor water used, more than one trillion gallons of water per year, runs through faucets. Because usage is so high, WaterSense labeled bathroom sink faucets can reduce water flow by 30 percent without sacrificing performance. If every U.S. household had this type of bathroom faucet, the EPA estimates a savings of over $350 million in water bills and more than 60 billion gallons of water annually. This would be enough to meet Miami, Florida's water needs for 30 days. Replacing the aerator is an effective water-efficiency measure.
  
  

Showerheads

• A high-efficiency showerhead will save water.Shower image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com
  
  Showers consume 17 percent of residential water, more than 1.2 trillion gallons per year. High-efficiency fixtures, with a flow-rate of 2.5 gallons per minute, have water savings of 25 to 60 percent.