When possible, put high-need plants in naturally wetter areas of your property. Test your soil. Limit your lawn. Grass is a water hog, so limit the amount of lawn in your yard. For those plots that remain, try varieties that don't use much water.
Cover plant beds with composted leaves or grass to help retain moisture.
Plant native species. Plants that have evolved in your area's climate are more naturally adapted to its water conditions. Earth Share, a federation of America's leading non-profit environmental and conservation charities, promotes environmental education and charitable giving in workplace payroll deduction campaigns.