Water-efficient shower heads use about 2.5 gallons of water a minute. A standard head uses about 4.5 gallons a minute. The water-efficient head increases the velocity of water by restricting the flow and forcing the water through tiny holes.

A valve allows the bather to limit the water flow while lathering up without changing the water temperature adjustment.

Tiny holes in the shower head restrict the flow, forcing a finer spray, but at higher pressure.

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Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association, www.bchydro.com/powersmart/

In the 1990s, the federal government required new toilets to use 1.6 gallons of water per flush. The original water-saving toilets were poor flushers. But, in the past few years, designers have made improvements. The best flushing toilets have the largest trapway.

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Sources: www.toiletology.com, www.mrooter.com, www.region.durham.on.ca, CaryPlumbing

Front load clothes washers can use 35 percent to 50 percent less water because tubs don’t fill like standard washers.

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Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, Whirlpool

Using a hose to clean porches, driveways and sidewalks is wasteful and unnecessary, especially during a drought. A few simple, inexpensive things can save a lot of water.

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Sources: California Urban Water Conservation Council