A dripping tap could waste as much as 90 litres a week.

Brushing your teeth with the tap running wastes almost 9 litres a minute. Rinse out from a tumbler instead.

Cool water kept in the fridge means you won't have to run the tap for ages to get a cold drink.

Don't use your washing machine until you've got a full load. The average wash needs about 95 litres. A full load uses less water than 2 half loads.

Every time you boil an egg save the cooled water for your houseplants. They'll benefit from the nutrients released from the shell.

Fit a water saving device in your cistern and save up to three litres a flush.

Grow your grass a little longer. It will stay greener than a close mown lawn and need less watering.

Hoeing stimulates the growth of plants, reduces water loss from the soil surface and removes weeds that take up valuable water and nutrients.

Installing a water meter can save you water and money by monitoring how much you use.

Just taking a five minute shower very day, instead of a bath, will use a third of the water, saving up to 400 litres a week.

Kettles should be filled with enough water for your needs but not to the brim. This will reduce your fuel bills too.

Lag your pipes to avoid bursts and leave your heating on a low setting while you are out in cold weather to prevent pipes freezing.

Mulch for moisture in the garden. Adding a layer of tree bark, compost, coconut husks or even newspaper keeps the sun off the soil and retains precious moisture.

No further watering is usually required for established trees and shrubs.

Once a week is all the watering your lawn needs even in the hottest weather. Over- watering can weaken your lawn by encouraging roots to seek the surface.

Purchasing a water butt will help you to collect rain water for use on the garden.

Question your local garden centre about the water requirements of different plants. Some thrive in drier conditions.

Replacing a toilet cistern can save water. Toilets manufactured after 1993 use less water per flush.

Sprinklers can be wasteful. It doesn't take long for a sprinkler to soak your lawn thoroughly. A sprinkler can use as much water in an hour as a family of four will use in a day!

Trigger nozzles can save water by using it only when needed. This can save up to 225 litres a week.

Use the dirty water when cleaning a fish tank on your houseplants. It's rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which provides an excellent fertiliser

Very 'water efficient' washing machines and dishwashers are now manufactured. Machines with 'A' ratings are the most economical.

You'll find that they save on energy too.

Water your garden at the coolest part of the day to reduce evaporation.

Xeriscape means 'to landscape for water conservation.' The idea is to use plants that require less water. You can also utilise objects for decorative effect such as rocks, bricks, benches and gravel.

You can use less water by turning the hot tap down, rather than the cold tap up, if you require cooler water.

Z The end of the alphabet but not the end of water saving ideas - why not get in touch and tell us of any you've discovered?

How You Can Help Animals

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

- Keep a list of people who can help if you see or know about someone harming an animal. That list might include a humane law enforcement officer, a teacher, your parents or your veterinarian.

- This one’s especially for you, future vets: Read as much as you can about your pet. Make a list of the things that she needs to be healthy, and check it with your veterinarian.

- Cut up your plastic six-pack soda rings before you throw them away. If a bird or small animal gets entangled in one, she may not be able to eat or move.

- Don’t let balloons go, especially if you live near the ocean. The critters who live in the water might think they’re food and eat them—which could make them very sick.

- Take time to smell the flowers, but don’t pull them—or any other plants—out of the ground. You could be pulling out an animal family’s dinner or uprooting a home!

- Find out if your local shelter accepts volunteers your age. You can also organize a drive for towels and blankets—shelter animals love to cuddle in them! Or why not have a bake sale, and donate what you earn to your local shelter or favorite animal organization?

- If you’ve got a dog or cat at home, help make sure he’s happy and healthy by brushing him and playing his favorite game every day. (This one’s fun for you, too!)

Tips to Keep Kids and Teens Safe on the Internet

(ARA) - Today's world requires us to be computer savvy, but for many, getting acquainted with a PC is a terrifying and frustrating experience.

Austin, Texas-based computer moms International offers its clients one-on-one computer and Internet training in their home or office to help ease the pressure. The rapidly growing company also helps families recognize hidden dangers on the Internet.

For several years, they have conveyed the need for an "adult designated driver" for every child and teen that uses online services. Computer moms asks schools to distribute Internet safety brochures to parents of elementary and middle school students to get them more involved in their kids' Internet activities.

"Whatever your age, the Internet is a wonderful tool," says Georgia Jones, founder of computer moms. "Unfortunately, it can also be a forum for people who exploit children and teens. Parents and kids need to be aware of its dangers and how to avoid them."

With the school year approaching, students soon will be browsing the Internet to research assignments and keep in touch with friends. The following is a list of general hazards kids and teens may encounter online:

-- Exposure to inappropriate material. We know our kids are smart and savvy, but that doesn't mean we want them to see inappropriate things over the Internet.

-- Physical endangerment. While online, a child or teen may provide personal information or arrange an encounter that could jeopardize his or her safety.

-- Harassment. A child or teen may come across e-mail or bulletin board messages that are harassing, demeaning, or belligerent.

-- Privacy issues and financial risks. The Internet is often home to people who try to get your money, spread computer viruses, or just pester you with unwelcome advertising and marketing material.

Jones suggests that parents enforce these simple rules to minimize the risks:

-- Keep your identity private. Do not give your full name, mailing address, telephone number, name of your school, or any other personal information.

-- Never meet with someone you talk to online. If you feel it is appropriate to meet someone in person, discuss it with an adult and never go to the meeting alone.

-- Never respond to e-mail, chat comments or newsgroup messages that are hostile, belligerent, inappropriate or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. The best way to prevent spam and inappropriate comments is to ignore them.

Parents should follow these guidelines for keeping their kids safe on the Internet:

--Talk to your children about what they can and cannot do online.

-- Place your computer in the family room or another open area of your home.

-- Be open with kids and teens and encourage them to come to you if they encounter a problem online.

-- Learn everything you can about the Internet.

-- Research services that rate Web sites for content and block inappropriate material.

"Proper use of the Internet can bring the world to you," says Jones. "Adequate parental controls and supervision can help alleviate the danger."