So, you're interested in water conservation, but there's something that irks you about reclaimed water, especially that part about it being not "free from harmful or objectionable materials."

Let's cut the crap - it doesn't take a genius to figure out what "reclaimed" really means.

On that note, courtesy of the Tucson Water website (http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/tame_toilet.htm) here are some ways of conserving water immediately pertinent to the matter at hand – that of "recycling wastewater." The idea here is to create less "wastewater" in the first place.

1. Get a new toilet. Toilet water can be cut by 50 percent by installing low-flow or air assisted commodes. An ultra-low-flush toilet can save up to four gallons of water in a single sitting. From various suppliers, like American Standard and Fixture Universe, you can get yourself a throne to appease both form and function, but expect to spend in excess of $1,000 for the top-of-the-line models.

2. Throw a little extra something into the tank. If you can't replace your toilet (or justify the purchase to your significant other), try placing a half-gallon plastic jug of water or a toilet dam in your tank. This can cut toilet water use by 20 percent. Contrary to popular practice, don't drop a brick – they tend to fall apart on you, and yes, I'm talking about masonry.

3. Check for leaks. Repair all leaks immediately. In between uses – in between uses! - you can check your toilet by dropping a small amount of food coloring into the tank. If colored water appears in the bowl after 10 minutes, you've got a leak that needs repairing.

a. Check the flapper.A faulty flapper (also called "flush valve ball" or "tank stopper") is the most likely culprit.

Replacement flappers are available at most home improvement stores. Flappers should be replaced every 3 –5 years, but your best bet is to purchase the highest quality flapper you can afford.

Before you begin, the smart thing to do is to shut off the water supply to your bowl (the valve should be under the tank) and then flush it dry. Check the valve seat under the flapper for corrosion while you're in there, cleaning it as necessary.

b. Check the ballcock. Yes, yes – get over it. The ballcock is located inside the tank behind the flush handle. This is your toilet's internal water supply valve. There are two types of ballcocks: one has a float ball attached to a rod, the other type has a black cylindrical float cup. The principle for both is the same: if lifting the floater shuts off the water, you're having floater problems (har har). If your float ball has taken water, it'll need replacing, and if not, simply use the adjustment screw on top of the ballcock to lower the ball so that the ball is about an inch lower than the top of the overflow tube, or at the tank's marked water line. If you feel pressure and the water isn't shutting off, you probably have to replace the ballcock, but you should try changing the washers at the top of the valve first if the ballcock does not appear broken. If you can read all this out loud with a straight face, pat yourself on the back, then smartly turn your head and cough.

This particular commodity aside, you can also start saving unclaimed water by taking a five-minute shower instead of a 10 minute shower, and don't let that faucet run while you're shaving.

Remember, Tucson is located in the Sonoran Desert and averages less than 12 inches of rainfall per year. So use your water wisely – you could end up using it again.

Oh yeah, and don't let that faucet run while you're brushing your teeth either.