The summer months can be a dry time of year for large portions of the country, and a lack of rain can put a damper on lots of things—the look of your lawn, in particular. Though it’s tempting to install a sprinkler or pick up the hose to keep things green, it can be costly and a drain on resources.

Install a rain barrel
Putting in a rain barrel to collect water for future use is one of the most cost-effective ways to keep your lawn and garden hydrated. You can make your own to attach to your downspout relatively easily, or you can purchase a premade version.

Only clean when necessary
Tasks like washing your car regularly or hosing down patio furniture can probably be put off until water is less scarce. Rain also can help take care of this naturally, so consider waiting a few weeks for these chores.

Wash responsibly
You may be used to taking your time in the shower, and you’re not alone. The recommended shower length in order to conserve water is about five minutes, though the average American showers nearly twice as long.

Wait for the full load
We know that appliances like the washer and dishwasher use copious amounts of water, so be sure that each load is completely full before running. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of your machine’s water-saver cycle, if it has one.

Be wary of leaks
A leaky toilet or pipes can be responsible for hundreds of gallons of wasted water. Make sure everything is running in tip-top shape to avoid hidden costs. In the same vein, be mindful of flushing toilets too often or treating the toilet as a trash can for tissues and other products that can go in the bin.