Products that conserve water—ever a precious natural resource—are taking center stage as parts of the U.S. suffer through one of the most severe droughts in recent memory. Here are some of our favorites.

1. A Clever Touch

Brizo—Delta’s premium brand—launched its Sotria Collection in May. The state-of-the-art collection features WaterSense showers and faucets for the kitchen and bath. Among the custom shower options is a medium-flow TempAssure thermostatic shower, which works like a thermostat to automatically maintain water temperature. Showers feature water-saving technologies that make 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) feel like 2.5 gpm, the manufacturer claims. In addition to being WaterSense labeled, Touch2O.xt Technology lets users activate faucets via touch and proximity sensing: When activated by touch, the water flow stops within one minute; when activated by proximity, the flow automatically turns off once the user moves away his or her hand. Brizo | 877.345.2749

2. Double-Time 

Kohler’s Dual-Flush Trip Lever Toilet accommodates both a familiar design and a newer water-conserving technology. Standard dual-flush toilets put the flush actuator on top of the toilet tank, right where many homeowners like to store items. As a solution, Kohler split the traditional trip lever into two levers, one for a light flush, the other for a full flush. When used alone, the bottom lever dispenses a 1.1-gallon light flush. When both levers are pressed, 1.6 gallons are dispensed. Compared with 3.5 gallons per flush, this can save up to 16,500 gallons of water annually for a family of four, Kohler says. The dual-flush trip lever is available for several models. Kohler | 800.456.4537

3. More Is More

Kallista’s One Wand Dual-Function Handshower can be used for a variety of functions. The product’s innovative WaterSense technology allows for a flow rate maximum of 2 gpm with two spray options (wide coverage and concentrated spray), which the user can switch between with the touch of a button. The D-shaped brass grip handle assists control of the connected hose assembly while ensuring long-term durability. The wall-mount serves as a clip-in device, so the handshower can also be used as a traditional shower. Kallista | 888.452.554782

4. The Magic Number

The KitchenAid Architect Series II dishwasher recycles water from the previous cycle and uses it to pre-rinse the next load before using fresh water to finish the cleaning cycle. This technique enables the dishwasher to use up to 33% less water without sacrificing sanitation and drying. The product offers five cycles within a wash and six sanitation options. Whirlpool | 800.253.1301