Winter, spring and now summer . . . Limited rainfall means that water conservation is important. Fortunately, most water conservation habits require almost nothing but conviction and a little common sense. Just three conservation steps save the most:

1: Economize!

A lot of water goes down the drain because of perceptions that water is plentiful and cheap--certainly not the case. Become conscious of the amount of water you use, and look for ways to use less whenever you can.

For example, more than 10 percent of all water used in the home is used in washing. A clothes washer, at full cycle and highest water level, uses 30 to 50 gallons of water. The dishwasher requires up to 25 gallons.

To save water, run only full loads, and set the water level for the size of load you are using. Result: Savings of 300 to 800 gallons per month.

Every minute of your shower uses 2.5 gallons of water. A low-flow showerhead only costs $10.00 but will save 50 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower. Most models have a shut off valve that will save even more water by stopping the water while you lather up. Result: Savings up to 700 gallons per month.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Adjust sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden - and only there. Result: Savings of 600 gallons a month.

2: Repair leaks!

If a faucet drips at a rate of just one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons of water per year. To save water, fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints. Result: Savings of 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.

As an extra saving step, retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors to slow the flow of water.

3: Make your lawn a water miser!

Typically, 50 percent of the water consumed by households is used outdoors. Studies show that the average homeowner uses more than four times the actual amount of water needed to keep a lawn healthy and green.

Before you water, step on your grass. If it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. And reset sprinkler timers to water every third day and for fewer minutes. Result: Savings from 750 to 1,500 gallons per month.

To save even more water, install a new "smart" sprinkler controller that applies just the right amount of water for your landscape based on your plants and garden, and local weather conditions.