If we are up for it, I believe that in most situations there are a number of measures that can be instituted to save on the water usage. Switching from the older-type toilets to the modern could save a great deal of water because the newer models seem to use approximately half of what the older-type would. The rinse water from the washing machine could be used to do a number of tasks like cleaning and washing areas around the home. If you are washing dishes manually, instead of having the tap running continuously, you could have the tap off, soap the dishes and then rinse. I believe in addition to these there are a number of other opportunities in which you water usage could be minimized.