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As summers get hot and dry, it’s becoming more and more important to find creative ways to reuse water in and around your home. Luckily, there are easy ways to save water both in your home and in your garden, and we’ve got you covered with seven easy tips that you can actually start using today.
Collect bath water
Showering is one of the best ways to recycle your water and it’s as easy as pie. While you’re waiting for your shower to heat up, simply place a large bucket under your showerhead. This will collect all the unused cold water that you would normally waste.
You can also collect bath water when you shower, as long as you use all natural products. Reuse this bath water to water your house plants and more.
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Reuse pasta water
If you’re like me and boil a lot of pasta, you probably waste a lot of water after your meal is done cooking. So the next time you cook your favorite pasta dish, save all that water for something else.
As usual, you can use this water to water your indoor and outdoor plants. You can also use this water to wash dishes, instead of over-flushing the sink. Or, use this water the next time you need to boil something.
Use leftover ice
While ice is often used to cool drinks, you can use leftover ice to cut down on water waste. If you find yourself with a lot of leftover ice, you can add it to your pet’s water bowl. Is your lawn looking dry? Spread leftover ice anywhere your lawn is patchy or looking dry, or where your plants need a boost.
Install rain barrel
Rain barrels collect rainwater runoff from your home’s gutter system and are fairly easy to install. First, choose where you want to place the barrel. Make sure to secure it to the ground so it never tips over. And finally, make sure your drain pipe is connected directly to the barrel. This will ensure that all the rainwater flows into the barrel.
When your rain barrel is full after a rainy day or evening, you can use the water to water your yard, houseplants, or even wash your car.
Reuse water from old water bottles
At least for me, leaving an extra bottle of water on my nightstand or in my car is a common occurrence. Luckily, you can reuse this water instead of accidentally pouring it down the sink.
You can use this water in the same way as the tips mentioned above or get more creative. Personally, I like to use leftover water bottles to mop my floors.
Pool water recycling
Pools aren’t just for cooling off anymore. This summer heat, you might have an inflatable pool in your backyard, a dog pool, or if you’re really lucky, an in-ground pool.
No matter what type of pool you have, you don’t need to drain it anymore. Use your old pool water to wash your lawn and garden, for cleaning, and even to wash produce. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly before using.
Install grey water collection system
With the help of your local plumber, you can easily install a greywater collection system. This clever system takes unused water from your shower, sink, washing machine, and supplies it to your lawn. Of course, this wastewater can be used for your garden, houseplants, and food crops.
