According to Treehugger’s Ten Commandments of Eco Gardening, "Thou shalt conserve water: gardeners have to conserve as much water as possible." Not only gardeners should conserve water, but anyone with yard has the potential to save water with their garden hose. Even if you don’t live in a drought region, water conservation is a good idea.

Water conservation ensures sustainability for future generations, as it prevents withdrawal of fresh water that exceeds natural replacement rates. In addition, water conservation conserves energy, as water pumping, delivery, and wastewater treatment consume over 15% of electricity use in some regions. Furthermore, water conservation contributes to habitat conservation, by reducing the need for water diversion infrastructure and preserving fresh water habitats for animals and plants.

To easily conserve a gallon of water, place a cap on the end of your garden hose before coiling it up. The water that would normally drain from the hose will remain inside and be ready for your next use. Of course, a gallon of water may not seem like much, but if you multiply it by thousands of people following this simple tip, the effects may be felt on a community. Small things add up in the big picture!