Run the dishwasher only with full loads. Just scrape food by hand. Compared English households live a lifestylecomparable to Americans in sanitation and cleanliness. Yet, as the chartindicates, they use about half the water we do. This difference in conservationlevels is attributable to England's more water efficient appliances andhigher water rates.
Automatic dishwashers last a long time.
But if you are looking for a new one, shop around for the most efficient models. Generally these also use less water. A few gallons each cycle add up over the years. Read Consumer Reports magazine. Use the Energy Guide label to compare models, Look for short cycle and air dry selections.