Even for people who don't live in a drought-stricken area, reducing water usage also means a lower utility bill and helps conserve a valuable resource. There are many ways, big and small, that the community can save water around their homes. Here are some ideas to stop wasting water: Instead of letting water go down the drain, place a bucket under the faucet while waiting for the shower water to heat up. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants. Water comes out of the faucet at an average rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (Striepe). Don't let all that water go down the drain when you brush your teeth or wash your hands. Turn off the faucet when not in use. Fixing leaking pipes will also help conserve water, whether doing it yourself or hiring a plumber to do it. Instead of pouring the water used to make pasta down the drain, try emptying it into a large pot. Once cooled, it can be used to water plants. Just be sure to wait, because if this boiling water is poured on their plants, they could be harmed. Older shower heads can use up to 5 gallons of water per minute (Striepe). Speed ​​things up in the shower or simply skip a shower for a day to make some serious water savings, or install a water-saving showerhead. Finally, installing water barrels on gutters is a great way to water plants rather than using the garden hose.