It's hard to believe that with all the rain that South Florida gets, we would have to worry about water, but it's true. South Florida residents use more water per person than almost anywhere else in the country, and we also experience periodic water shortages. You can cut your water usage in half by changing a few habits and taking advantage of some "pain-free" water-saving devices. When you start saving water, you start saving money! Follow these steps throughout the house and watch your water bill drop!

• Did you spring a leak?
  Make sure your home is leak-free. Check your water meter over a period of time when you are certain that no water is being used. If the meter reading changes, you have a leak!
• Time is of the essence!
  Repair leaks as soon as they are discovered. A seemingly small leak can waste 70 - 100 gallons of water per day.
• Car wash, anyone?
  When washing your car, move your car onto the grass. This way the excess water can percolate into the ground and recharge the aquifer, our primary source of drinking water.
• Defrost food in the refrigerator.
  Don't use running water to thaw food; it wastes water. Defrosting in the refrigerator also helps prevent bacterial contamination.
• Water can be recycled too.
  Don't pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, you can use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Is your toilet tank taking you to the bank?
  It may be difficult to see the leak, so check by adding a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Wait 20 minutes and then look in the bowl for traces of the dye. If you see the dye in the bowl, you have a leak. If the color in the tank is lighter or you don't see the dye any longer, this is another indication that you have a leak. Call a plumber if you can't fix the problem yourself.
• Saved by the flush.
  Lower the rise of toilet tank water by adjusting the tank float. Another option is to put a small plastic jug filled with water and some weights into the tank to displace water. You could save up to half a gallon with every flush (don't try this with low-volume toilets). If you are remodeling your bathroom, replace your old inefficient 3 - 5 gallon-per-flush toilet with a new high-efficiency low volume 1.6 gallon-per-flush model.
• Install high-efficiency devices.
  Installing a high-efficiency showerhead or fitting a flow restrictor into your current showerhead can reduce water use by 50%. A water efficient sink faucet aerator can save up to 280 gallons per year. These devices also save on hot water costs and increase water pressure. For more information on how to get a FREE high-efficiency showerhead, visit the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department website http://www.miamidade.gov/wasd/Showerhead-Program.asp.
• Cut down on marathon showers.
  A shower almost always uses less water than a bath. Even a five-minute shower can use about 35 gallons of water, so keep it short! Shorter showers save hot water costs and air conditioning bills.
• Turn off the water while brushing teeth or shaving.
  Only turning on the water to rinse can save up to 10 gallons of water per day.
• Get a free water conservation kit.
  There are two types of kits: one for homes and another for apartments. The kits for home use include: a swivel spray kitchen/bath aerator, a fill cycle clamp, a pack of two leak detecting dye tablets, a hose repair kit (for both the male and female end), a pack of 12 hose washers, a conservation message magnet and a brochure.  The kits for apartment use include the swivel spray kitchen/bath aerator, a fill cycle clamp, a pack of two leak detecting dye tablets and a brochure. You can contact the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to get your free water conservation kit.
• Don’t over-wash.
  By eliminating the pre-soak and second rinse cycles when you use your washing machine, you can save as much as 19 gallons of water per load.