If your toilet runs continuously, the flapper is likely worn. Turn off water, flush to empty tank, remove old flapper, and install a new one. Cost is low, water savings high.
Turn off all water fixtures. Check the water meter; if it moves, you have a leak. Common culprits are toilet flappers and faucet washers. Replace them to save water.
Apply silicone caulk around tubs and sinks to prevent water damage. Remove old caulk, clean the area, apply new caulk, and smooth with a wet finger.
Drink water when you feel thirsty. For most adults, 2-3 liters per day is sufficient, but needs vary by activity and climate. Check urine color; pale yellow indicates good hydration.
Water plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Overwatering is a common mistake; check soil moisture before watering.
Drink small amounts of water frequently rather than large amounts at once. Avoid salty or sugary foods that increase thirst.
Boil water for 1 minute to kill pathogens. At high altitudes, boil for 3 minutes. This is the most reliable method for killing bacteria and viruses.
Boil water and collect the steam in a container. The condensed steam is pure water. This method removes salt and chemicals but requires energy and time.
Water flowing from a tree stump or vine (if cut carefully and tested) can be a source. Avoid water that is stagnant, smelly, or green. Boiling is always recommended.
Use a portable water filter with a pore size of 0.2 microns or smaller to remove bacteria and protozoa. Pre-filter cloudy water through a cloth before filtering. Filters do not remove viruses.
Never eat snow directly; it lowers body temperature and causes dehydration. Melt snow over a fire or in a container before drinking. If no fire, melt snow in your mouth or use body heat in a sealed bag against your skin.
Look for green vegetation, bird flight patterns, or animal tracks leading downhill. Digging in the bend of a dry riverbed (inner curve) can sometimes yield moist sand. Do not dig near cactus spines; they may contain water but are hard to access safely.
Use chlorine dioxide or iodine tablets according to package instructions. Allow the water to sit for the required time (usually 30 minutes) before drinking. This does not remove heavy metals or chemicals, only biological pathogens.
Fill clear plastic bottles with clear water and lay them in direct sunlight for 6 hours (or 2 days if cloudy). UV radiation kills pathogens. This method works best for clear water and does not remove chemicals.
Boiling water at a rolling boil for 1 minute (3 minutes at altitudes above 6,500 feet) kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This is the most reliable method when chemical purification is unavailable.
