Unless you are living under a rock, you know about the water crisis we are facing. As a state, and even community, we are hearing lots of advice and guidance on what steps the government can take to conserve and protect our water.

However, as individuals we can take action as well. It is as simple as replacing and updating our appliances and doing our landscaping research. One major problem is unchecked leaks. Older toilets, irrigation systems, dishwashers and washing machines can waste water needlessly due to leaks a homeowner didn’t know existed.

Research shows that unchecked leaks may cause a house to use up to 10 percent more water. Another way to conserve water in your own home is to replace your current toilets with high-efficiency toilets. Your family could save an average of 15,000 gallons of water per year by installing only 1.6 gallons-per-flush toilets.

A bathtub is another appliance that when used properly can assist us in conserving water. We should all check our drains to make sure they are not leaking any water during a bath.

Also, if you need to water your lawn, reuse the bath water outside! Shower heads are another easy appliance to replace to conserve water. Replace your family’s shower heads with ones that will adjust to turn on and off during your shower.

This way you can switch the water flow off while you put shampoo in your hair or shave your legs.

We can all do our part to help. It may seem like nothing; however, if we all make these tiny changes, we could turn nothing into something.

Rachel Thomas

Gainesville