Green Guru, what can I do in my home to conserve water? -Ruth Ann Thompson, Charlotte, NC

Well, Ruth Ann, there are a few things you can do that will really make a difference. First, don’t use water more water than you absolutely need to.

Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You'll save up to 1000 gallons a month. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four. Wash clothes only when you have a full load and save up to 600 gallons each month.

You can also install a new toilet that will reduce the amount of water needed, using less than one gallon per flush.  Every time a toilet is flushed, four to seven gallons of water are used. Doesn't matter for what reason, pushing the lever will get you billed for the water that goes down the drain. And when you think about how often your household uses the bathroom, the gallons add up. 

Additionally, using rain barrels or other depositories to collect rainwater for use during dry months is an ancient and traditional practice. With the rising price of municipal water and drought restrictions in Charlotte, more homeowners are turning to the harvesting of rainwater.

Just look outside your window the next time it rains and imagine all the water that's running down your driveway being put to beneficial use in your home and garden!

Remember, by making these changes, you aren't just saving money, you're saving a precious natural resource!

Green Guru Mark Englander owns Charlotte Energy Solutions. For more info contact him at 704-333-4368 or CharlotteEnergySolutions.com. Submit your questions for the Green Guru to [email protected].