Tips on saving water during LI's drought watch

With Long Island now under a drought watch, state and local officials are urging residents to conserve water.

To save water resources, state and local officials are encouraging homeowners to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use, especially for lawn care, and follow these tips:

• Water lawns only when necessary and choose watering methods that avoid waste. Lawns don’t need to be watered every day.
• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants.
•  Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks;
• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.
• Turn off the faucet while shaving, washing up, brushing teeth and washing dishes.

• Don't run the tap to make water cold or hot. Instead, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator.

• Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. The average dishwasher uses 8-12 gallons whether or not it's a full load.

Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

By Robert Brodsky

robert.brodsky@newsday.com@BrodskyRobert

Robert Brodsky is a breaking news reporter who has worked at Newsday since 2011. He is a Queens College and American University alum.