Saving Water

It crossed my mind earlier this spring as I was washing my hands and the still very cold, wintery water was freezing my hands, that there has to be a way to get that water warmer so it isn't wasted.

Perhaps I could keep a thermos of hot water near by, mixing it with the cold water when the sink is stoppered. And this is how inventions are created… solving a problem.

Here are some more tips gathered from the Internet.

• Don't let the water run continuously when washing dishes, shaving, or brushing your teeth.
• Take shorter showers...  showers lasting less than 5 minutes might save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
• Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Fix leaky faucets: Just one drip a second can waste 2,000 gallons of water per year.
• If practical, try to run the dishwasher or washing machine only when completely full.
• If you live in an older home, consider replacing your plumbing with low-flow fixtures and low-flush toilets. Sometimes you can find tax benefits from your state for such replacements.
• Water your lawn only when necessary and consider landscaping with native plants adaptable to your climate's conditions.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water to use to water plants later. This also works when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink.
• Place water collection vessels such as barrels or large buckets to collect rain water from down spouts and gutters. Use the water to water your plants. Or to take a shower… LOL!
• Use the garbage disposal minimally and compost instead.

What are some ideas that you have to add to this list?