The BP oil spill reminds us that our oceans are precious and water is not an infinite resource. 

The Nature Conservancy and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power offer the following tips for conserving water: 

1. Install a low-flow showerhead to limit the amount of water used in your daily shower. You’ll save 500 to 800 gallons of water each month.
2. Shorten showers by 1 or 2 minutes, which will save about 375 gallons per month.
3. Turn off the faucet as you soap your hands, wash your face and brush your teeth.
4. Check your plumbing frequently to ensure there are no leaks. Leaky faucets and plumbing joints waste 20 gallons per day.
5. Run only full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine.
6. After washing fruits and vegetables, reuse the water to hydrate household plants.
7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. You’ll save 150+ gallons per month.
8. Adjust sprinklers so only your landscape is watered. Why water sidewalks? You’ll save around 500 gallons per month.