Limit the use of fertilizer. If you must fertilize your lawn, choose a product without phosphorous, which along with nitrogen, upsets the balance of nutrients in local waterways.

Test for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the water tank. Don’t flush for 15 minutes. If there is color in the bowl after 15 minutes, you may have a leak.

Shut off and drain the water lines to outside spigots in the winter. This prevents freezing temperatures from causing expensive leaks.