In what ways do YOU save water ?

[DarkCrow]

off to the norty step (well at least it wasn't a fib)

I water my plants from a well with a submersable pump. saves using the hose from the mains and it's as good as rainwater

[bubblewrap]

My children dont wash!!!!

When I was a "lad" I always washed but my grandmother said I dried a mucky colour.

[TonyF]

Decided to abandon buying new boards to make more raised beds - thy're on offer at the local brico store - to buy another 3 x 500 litre butts for the very back of the garden - can never have too much water available.

[Two_Sheds]

Use wipes on face ( I didn't know they don't decompose TS)

You can buy ones that do, but they cost: Eco Baby Wipes, 100% biodegradable baby wet wipes 72 pack

No way. For starters you never know where they have been

Face flannels? We each have our own, and they get washed on a hot wash every week. Perfectly hygienic

[Bigmallly]

I use wet wipes on a daily basis for spit cleaning. Bath once a week and was wondering if you can divert the water from the bath down pipe.

Here you go dear.

Bath Water Diverter - Natural Collection Select

[Bigmallly]

Thanks, will look into it.

Do they have lids (or just holes into the top)? Got to bear in mind the amazing climbing exploring toddler a wee bit!

They have lids plus metal spring type rings that a child would have difficulty opening.

[Two_Sheds]

They have lids plus metal spring type rings that Two Sheds has difficulty opening.

[Bigmallly]

.......I didn't like to say but they are a bit difficult aren't they?.......

[Rabidbun]

*chuckles* Thanks, definitely going on my list to get then if I can solve the next bit about where to put em! Have a feeling a full one would go through decking, so sensing that they'll end up on the front drive somewhere methinks.

[Winged one]

We have a butt set up under the extension roof, which collects enough to water the garden for about 5 days. It rarely actually goes empty, but has been now for the past week. I am trying to persuade OH that when we to do the attic extension later this year, we put in a system for the main roof also (I think I am making progress). OH would use that for washing the car and windows quite a bit also rather than the tap.

We also mulch the beds quite well to reduce evaporation, and use water storage crystals in the pots to absorb and keep water when we water those.

We have dual-flush toilets in both bathrooms (we had to ask for those when we did both bathrooms, and the plumbers thought we were mad but they are making a big difference now).

We keep a filter jug in the fridge, for drinking water.

Turn off tap while brushing teeth.

Sinkful of water for flannel washing in the mornings (as opposed to leaving tap running).

We got low water use washing machine and dishwasher, and use both on economic cycles.

And we do use a basin in the sink for washing up rather than the whole sink.

We're not as good as some, but do make certain concious efforts to reduce use.

And on the plot, we can't keep water (stupid rules), but I have a couple of buckets that I "keep forgetting" about for some rainwater, and the tap is just too long a trek to bring back more that 2-4 watering cans worth on an energetic visit - so basically we don't water the plot much if at all.

[lindyloo]

another thing which i do is use the water i wash and condition my hair with, for the bath afterwards. ( that probably sounds disgusting! but my hair doesnt really get dirty or oily; it is ussaully tied in a knot under a hat or cap) .

[wellie]

Forgive me if someone has already suggested this Nicos, because, as you know I'm up to my armpits in making stuff for my local village show next Saturday, (and so I've not read everyone's contributions so far, and I humbly apologise for that), but you can save water by watering your chosen plants heavily, once a week, rather than giving them a 'shallow shower' a couple of times a week. In the long-run, the plants' roots willl grow deeper and deeper, to find the water, which will ultimately cause the plant far less stress when you CAN'T water, because their roots are well below the surface.

My other 'saving water' little gem, obviously, is just to chill your chosen drink in the refrigerator, and not add any ice to it, but we're all grown-ups now, and that should be called Common Sense, surely.

[lindyloo]

i couldnt do with out my icecubes!!

[chris]

We used to use those 100% biodegradable wipes on our baby, but figured we'd try re-usable wipes. They're great, don't save water as much but they save money.. much like the reusable nappies we use (albeit in a different fashion - as no dispoable nappy is 100% biodegradable.. we used to use those green mother ones, but then since found out they weren't 100% - so we now use booster clothes at night time with fleece liners to wick the wee away).

anyway, back on track - just had a new bathroom suite put in, with the eco loo, taps, and bath - also half flush jobby on it too. I was shocked to find out how much normal loos flush away each time, this loo we have uses 1/2 the water of a normal one.. dunno if it can flush away "properly" yet, but so far the 1/2 flush works fine!

[miffy]

We go by Dick Strawbridge's method of saving water in the loo at night time, 'if it is yellow let it mellow' and flush in the morning saves a few night time flushes!!!