Most of us don’t think about the amount of water we use, but excessive water consumption is a global crisis. At any given time, the U.S. Drought Monitor will show up to a dozen states afflicted by moderate to severe levels of drought. Lack of water also harms the planet in other ways: it increases environmental pollutants and puts 2 billion people in developing nations at risk for disease.

Whether you’re trying to save a few bucks or you want to make a difference, rolling back your water usage is the way to go. But limiting water doesn’t have to be painful. (Yes, you can still enjoy a hot shower!) These stress-free conservation hacks keep it simple.

In the bathroom

Get a water-efficient showerhead: This will help reduce your water bill, unlike older models that may be wasting thousands of gallons of water per year.

In the kitchen

Check leaky faucets: If you’re wondering why your water bill is increasing, check the faucets around your house, as a small drip here and there could be the culprit of a sky-high bill.

Use every drop: All that water you’re running while waiting for it to turn hot doesn’t have to go to waste. Save it in a pot and use it to water your garden!

In the laundry room

Wait for full loads: It’s tempting to run the dishwasher when it’s not full, but waiting until it’s completely loaded is an instant water-saver (same goes for the washing machine!)

Switch to energy efficient appliances: Help the environment by switching to products with the ENERGY STAR label—a washing machine marked as such uses 33 percent less water.

Outdoors

Before you turn on your hose, consider using rainwater instead. It’s safe for plants and contains fewer chemicals than groundwater. Install a rain barrel in your garden with this easy how-to video.