The best way to clean outdoors is to get out the broom and sweep. Using the hose to wash down sidewalks, driveways, and pavements is a wasteful and unnecessary practice, especially during a drought.

Your garden hose can use more than 10 gallons of water per minute. You can minimize water waste with the following tips:

• Use a spray nozzle with a cutoff handle on your hose so water doesn't flow continuously
• Check your hose connections often for leaks. Place a hose washer between the hose bib and the hose to eliminate leaks in that area.
• Rake and sweep leaves -- don't hose them away
• Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water

During a drought you should completely avoid washing your car with a hose at home. If your car desperately needs a bath, take it to a car wash that recycles water. You could also use some old rags and a bucket of water to do the job with much less water waste.