California grows more than half of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts consumed in the U.S. and is also the top dairy-producer in the nation but nearly 100 percent of the Golden State is experiencing at least moderate drought conditions, which threatens to create increased food prices and perhaps even food shortages throughout the country according to the Farmers' Almanac.

While this winter produced massive amounts of precipitation throughout large portions of the U.S., the specter of drought in other areas will keep water conservation a hot topic. So even though water might be plentiful where you do business, your customers will be mindful of drought and the need to conserve water.

Many of the methods to do so are familiar to them by now, thanks in part to those who work in the green industry, but here are some less-known tips, compliments of the Farmers' Almanac and saveourh2o.org, that you can pass along to customers, and become even more of an expert on water conservation in their eyes.

Wash fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

Use this water, and water from other non-toxic recycled sources, to water houseplants.

Instead of using the garbage disposal, try composting.

Verify that a home is leak-free by reading the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

For a home with a well, listen to see if the pump kicks on and off while the water is not in use. If it does, there is a leak.

Use a kitchen timer as a reminder to turn off the sprinkler.