Western North Carolina is in a moderate drought, and the rest of the state, including the Triangle, is abnormally dry. Conserve water now before area lakes and rivers turn to dust. Most households use the greatest amount of water irrigating their lawns. If you must be a slave to grass, keep it at least an inch highshort grass is easily parchedand water only when necessary. Step on your grass; if it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn’t need water. Avoid using a sprinkler from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., when water is likely to evaporate. Better yet, swear off grass and xeriscape with drought-resistant plants. Inside, don’t run the faucet while shaving or brushing your teeth, install low-flow shower heads and run your dishwasher or washing machine only when they’re full. To read more water saving tips, go to wateruseitwisely.com/familywater/index.shtml.