Most families use a lot of water every day without thinking about it. We use water to cook, to clean, to wash clothes, and to flush the toilet. In many parts of Texas, dry summers can make water scarce, so it is smart to use it carefully.

There are many easy ways to save water. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth. Take shorter showers. Tell an adult about a leaky faucet, since even a slow drip wastes a lot of water over time. Outside, water plants early in the morning, before the hot sun can dry the water up.

These small changes may seem unimportant, but when many people make them, they add up.