As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought and ordered the state Department of Water Resources to quickly transfer water to areas with the most severe water shortages."

This is very disturbing. Not only does California have to worry about their water shortage but the dry conditions are havens for forest fires. How does California save water? There are many ways to save water.

1. Check for water leaks especially toilet leaks. A typical toilet leak can use up to 26,000 gallons of water in a one month period.

2. Use a broom, not a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.

3. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture.

4. Don't leave the water running when washing dishes, brushing teeth and cleaning vegetables.

5. Take shorter showers.

6. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket because you could waste 5 to 7 gallons of water each time you flush debris.

7 Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

8. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet fixtures.

9. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads.

10. Don't run the hose while washing your car. Better yet use a waterless car wash system, such as

UltraLuster Waterless Car Wash which saves 100-150 Gallons of water per use.

If a fracton of the people in California started to conserve water this water shortage would be old news!