On average, American families use about 320 gallons of water daily; moreover, about 30 percent of that amount goes to outdoor purposes during summer months such as filling swimming pools or wading pools, watering the yard, washing the car and taking more showers.

As the southwest and other regions approach another year of drought or near drought conditions, it falls on Las Vegas homeowners and business owners to think of ways to conserve water.

Water is not an unlimited resource on planet earth; moreover, more water is consumed during the summer months than other times during the year. That said, according to some industry experts, such as Rakeman Plumbing, it's recommended that the following seven ways be used to help conserve water during the hot summer season.

1- Setting Your Appliances Right

If you don't already have any in your household, then perhaps it's time to be thinking of gradually getting rid of your old appliances and replacing them with Energy Star efficient clothes washer and dishwasher appliances. Taking it even further, getting a low-flush, energy-efficient toilet alone shaves up to 40 to 50 percent off your water use.

2- Other Appliance Hacks

Using aerators or water flow-reducer attachments on your tap, faucets and shower-heads are other practical means to save on water as well. Also, running your clothes and dishwasher on a full load and on the shortest possible cycle goes a long way in conserving water as well.

3- Running Water

Never run water continuously when hand-washing dishes, brushing your teeth or even taking a shower. When washing dishes, partially fill a container or the sink with water and then use a spray attachment to rinse off the residue.

Brushing your teeth with the water shut off and using short bursts of water to rinse saves up to 60 percent of normal water use. That being said, if you have a house full of small children, then try putting them in all at the same time in the shower or the tub.

4- Using shut-off timers

When possible, and not turning on the sprinklers while you're at work, will further add to significant energy savings.
 

Saving water is not rocket science, but it does take discipline. However, by using the above mentioned top seven ways to conserve water, we'll all be off to a more water-sufficient summer. Choose wisely.