1.   Hungary guests coming over? Consider serving a cooler menu. Serving cooler items like sandwiches helps reduce thirst, saving water.

2.   Need to clean up the patio? Use a broom instead of a hose to clean it. 

3.   Is the dog getting overheated? Bath dogs in the bathtub instead of hosing them down. This uses far less water.

4.   Is it hot where you are? Many areas of the country are experiencing scorching heat. Do not use a hose to cool off. Jump in a pool or use a water balloon to cool off.

5.   Is it raining where you are? While much of the country is dry and experiencing record-breaking heat, parts of the Midwest are dealing with flash flooding. Visit your local hardware store and select a rain barrel to collect all that water. Various systems are available, and some are quick and easy to install.

6.   Are you planning to use the grill? Washing a grill after use requires a lot of scrubbing – and a lot of water. Look for more water-efficient ways to cook hotdogs and hamburgers.

7.   Paper or plastic? Select recycled paper products such as dishes and cups to serve family and friends. They take less water to produce and can be tossed, reducing the water necessary to wash them later.

8.   Are you using the 4-day weekend to do some gardening? A clever way to use water more efficiently is to group plants based on their water needs. Also, when purchasing plants, select the most drought-resistant plants possible. They require far less water.

9.   Have you checked your water bill lately? July 4th weekend is a suitable time to go online and check your water bill – specifically, how much water you use compared to last year. Using far more water today than a year ago means leaks have developed. Fixing leaks saves water.

10. Want to do good for your country? Waterless urinals in the home or office help us save water, use it more efficiently, and reduce the pollution generated by wastewater treatment plants – a surprising source of pollution.