What’s the best way to conserve water this holiday season? Consider these tips from Sacramento Suburban Water District. They’re easy and can help make a big difference in reducing water use over the winter months.

1) Let Your Sprinklers Have a Holiday

Turn off your sprinklers this winter season and leave them off until spring. With winter’s cooler and shorter days, as well as the anticipated rains, your yard won’t need much or any supplemental watering.

2) Help Your Guests Conserve

Will you have a houseful of guests this holiday season? Create a five-minute reel of holiday music they can play while in the shower. When the music ends, the shower should, too.

Some holiday themed songs to consider for your playlist: Frosty the Snowman, Jingle Bell Rock, Santa Baby, White Christmas, Winter Wonderland, and Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer are all under five minutes long.

You can also put a friendly, little note on the mirror reminding them to turn off the water when brushing their teeth or shaving.

3) Scrape the Plates

Serving up a big holiday meal? Clean off dirty plates by scraping food into the trash or compost bin instead of using the garbage disposal.

And remember to put your dishwasher to good use. Every minute the kitchen faucet runs sends 2.5 gallons of water down the drain. Instead of washing dishes by hand, use your dishwasher instead. You’ll have more time for wrapping presents or enjoying a glass of eggnog.

4) Collect Water from the Shower or Sink

The water you collect can be used to provide water for Fido, or to make sure your trees and plants stay green. SSWD has handy shower buckets available.

5) Give the Gift of Water Conservation

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone in your life? Consider giving them a high-efficiency showerhead, water-efficient toilet or weather-based irrigation controller. Look for products with the WaterSense label, which are certified to be high-performing and water-efficient.