A new name has been coined for the prolonged drought condition in the Colorado River Basin: Mega drought. Water conservation in the home and business can be part of the solution.

Here are some basic water conservation practices worthy of remembering as we navigate through prolific drought.

General rules of thumb to improve efficiency and reduce waste in the home include:

• Leak detection and repair: Even small leaks can add up to significant water loss. Look for and repair leaks frequently.

• Replace or retrofit appliances and fixtures: Install high efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances. A large percentage of water is flushed down the toilet. Retrofit to code, 1.6 gallon toilets, or install ultra-low flow or dual flush units. Only run clothes and dishwashers when full. Install on-demand hot water heaters or hot water circulating pumps.

To read more about how to conserve water in the home or business, click here to visit www.steamboatpilot.com.