If all of us used this suggestion - just think of how much water we would conserve - thanks.

posted on 9/14/2011 2:16:52 PM

I almost forgot to tell you the biggest water saving tecnique I learned from my mother...When washing clothes I let the first wash water dump down the drain...but the rinse cycle water is diverted into a 50 gallon drum.  When I begin a new load, the rinse water is drained into my washer, soap and clothes added, and the cycle begins again.  It is impressive the amount of water you save by recycling.

posted on 3/28/2010 2:41:05 PM

I also use this method to save water...but I take it a step farther, I keep a catch bucket in the sink and as we wash our hands, the water runs into the bucket...Then I use this "dirty" water to flush the toilet.  I do have to clean the back of the toilet tank every week, but the water saved is unreal.  It takes 1.6 gallons of water every flush and I am using recycled water every time.  This also saves electricity because the well pump does not need to run as often. 

posted on 3/28/2010 9:30:19 AM

You should not be consuming hot water from the tank without boiling it for 3 minutes. Ask any doctor or hot water tank supplyer. The hot water tank does not get hot enough to kill bacteria & germs, but the heated water does allow the bacteria & germs to multiply at a quicker rate. Just F Y I...

posted on 3/9/2010 12:04:16 PM

I'm finally getting my husband to the idea of water conservation. I do the same thing with water, mostly for my plants, or for the kitchen or bathroom counters. IT also saves on pinching pennies that add up when you see the water bill. The money you save can buy other things. Water usage is excessive, and I also tell the waitress not to bring me any water vefore dinner unless I happen to be thristy. If everyone did this, think of all the water saved from people in restruants world wide. Water is a precious, and there are people the world over who die of thrist. Like the other Vocalpoint reader, I use a bowl in the kitchen, but a pitcher in the bathroom to collect water for plants. I also use dryer sheets 2x. I save the dryer sheet, and use on lingere and underwear. Makes them smell better, and there's no unwanted static, then second dryer sheet with the first and use it the third time on towels and wash cloths to soften them a little, Then I use the dryer sheet that is most used to grab up the lent left in the lint screen of the clothes dryer.  In this economy we have to cut back and be inoventive for other uses of everything. Also, I keep empty detergent bottles. My husband keeps a little detergent in the bottle and when he works on the car, the motor oil comes off his hands as well as any garage cleaner that is much more expensive. We also use the bottles to recycle dirty oil when we dispose of it at the garage. I also use small bottles from small containers of mouth wash,etc. to put shampoo,conditioner, and other mouth wash in. This way, we don't have to lug all kinds of larger containers of shampoo,etc. when we're traveling; we then store them all in one larger plastic bag to know where they're located. This way, especially if we have to stay in a hotel, we can get up and shower, etc. We know just exactly there they're located, and can pack things away faster and go about our way for the rest of our travels. Saves us a lot of time and hassle,especially during holidays.Enjoy, and Happy Trails!Shannon  

posted on 3/3/2010 7:09:53 AM

I like how you think. Good tip

posted on 3/2/2010 10:18:38 PM

I have been doing this but using it only on grass/plants outdoors.  Our water tastes terrible and we use a water filter for anything we drink. 

posted on 2/24/2010 8:23:01 PM

Thank you so much - I have been feeling so guilty about wasting the water - my plants and pets will love you.

posted on 2/23/2010 3:56:24 PM

Good news for all that water.  So much goes down the drain.  I would also say that when brushing teeth, that toothbrushes be wet then turn OFF the water, brush the teeth then rinse the brush.  We lived in a camper full time as missionaries for 8 years and used a 2 oz. drink cup to fill with water to brush teeth. We wet the toothbrush, then brushed the teeth, rinsed the mouth then with the remaining water in the cup, rinsed the brush and poured it out.  Only had so much room in our water tanks so it saved alot!  We've brought this to our permanent home.

posted on 2/22/2010 11:01:13 PM

A nother water saver is to have a bucket in the shower to catch the run off water, we flush with it. That is a lot of water saved. I also run the water I catch from the (cold) hot water in to the coffie maker for odds an ends that need a little warm water, saves time!! Oops almost forgot another Good one. The water you use for rinseing your dishes can be use on your outside plants or gardens. It acts as a pesticide.

posted on 2/19/2010 1:34:01 PM

I love that idea.  So simple, thanks

posted on 2/18/2010 7:37:55 PM

We have a well, but are also on septic.  Our septic is fairly old, so we are constantly trying to conserve as it ALL ends up in the septic eventually... We collect water into a bucket when running the water for a shower and use that for the next toilet flush.  One bucket will flush and give you the next fill.  Water from the kitchen fills humidifiers, coffee & tea pots, waters plants and used for cooking.  Every drop gets used!

posted on 2/18/2010 3:12:33 PM

Thanks for the helpful tip!  This is the kind of content I love to see.  Thanks, Vocalpoint!

posted on 2/18/2010 12:05:06 AM

What a great idea! I never thought of using it for my dog's water dish! Cinder will be very happy!

posted on 2/17/2010 8:44:32 PM

What can you do with soft water?  It will kill my plants and fish!

posted on 2/17/2010 7:37:32 PM

Awesome. I thought I did everything I could think of to save water... nope! Thanks for the great idea.

posted on 2/17/2010 7:22:29 PM

Thanks, I do try to run the water in a bucket, I keep to give water to my dog, near the sink. Every little saved helps.

posted on 2/17/2010 12:41:17 PM

Great idea!  I've never thought of this.  I believe in conserving, so this is one more way to help.

posted on 2/16/2010 9:55:42 PM

I also do this so as not to waste any water.I try to be green in every way possible.

posted on 2/16/2010 9:27:41 PM

Great ideas, thanks!

posted on 2/16/2010 8:58:26 PM

Great Idea!  Thanks, Marge

posted on 2/16/2010 8:23:34 PM

good idea!

posted on 2/16/2010 7:51:22 PM

I also wait until the dishwater gets running for a few minutes and then wash my dishes in the sink because the water is then hot and I don't have to let it run to "warm up".

posted on 2/16/2010 6:57:43 PM

I've been doing this for years!  I use the water for the coffee maker, pet food bowls, water the plants, and I also take it outside to water the grass and outdoor plants. 

posted on 2/16/2010 6:56:23 PM

you can also let the water you use to cook pasta or boil eggs cool and use it on your plants or use it hot to soak dirty dishes

posted on 2/16/2010 6:45:49 PM

Great idea!  I run the kitchen water until it is hot before starting the dishwasher.  Now I can save the unused water for something purposeful

posted on 2/16/2010 5:58:15 PM

Very true.  I always think about water conservation and not letting the water run while brushing my teeth.  We could probably also apply this to our baths and showers while waiting for that all important hot water!!

posted on 2/16/2010 4:04:24 PM

I was just thinking about water conservation this morning. Thank you for this tip. 

posted on 2/16/2010 3:49:47 PM

Great idea, so simple but yet I've never thought about it. Thanks!

posted on 2/16/2010 1:50:02 PM

I haven't been offered any coupons at all. What am I doing wront=g?

posted on 2/16/2010 12:59:43 PM

Its so awesome others are willing to do this ...I have been doing this for awhile..I keep a few water bottles and a pitcher for my coffee maker and to water my plants..but i do have to say I have been thinking of getting the on demand hot water  faucet at the sink so I wont waste some much water/energy heating the water on the stove...I think that will help but what a chunk of change that will be but well worth it!

posted on 2/16/2010 12:54:38 PM

That's a great idea!! When it's very cold outside and we have to leave our pipes drip I put the watering can in the kitchen under the faucet so that the drips all night fills it up... it amazes me how quickly those drops add up!!

posted on 2/16/2010 12:36:45 PM

This is an awesome idea! I will start doing this for sure

posted on 2/16/2010 12:22:49 PM

I would have never thought of that. Thanks!!

posted on 2/16/2010 12:15:56 PM

I too hate to see all the water just running down the drain while waiting for it to warm up...especially upstairs!  The water bill have been getting more and more expensive too.  I find that I try to be more frugal with the water.  This sounds like a good idea to try...  We bought the high efficiency washer several years back, and that saves on the water too...wish we would of had it when he kids were little and I washed lots more than I do now.

posted on 2/16/2010 11:38:07 AM

This is a great idea!  I've always hated just letting all that water run down the drain while waiting for me water to get hot.  Seems to take forever.  Thanks!!

posted on 2/16/2010 11:36:28 AM

That is a great idea! Thank you for sharing.

posted on 2/16/2010 11:34:34 AM

That water comment is Awesome. My water bills are terrible. Aprox $350.00 every 3 months. Always looking for ways to save.  THANKS

posted on 2/16/2010 11:28:09 AM

Well maybe one pitcher otherwise I would probably have too many jugs of water all over my counter waiting to be used.

posted on 2/16/2010 11:27:28 AM

What a great suggestion.  We have to let our run a long while in the kitchen and it is almost 2 gallons of water before it even gets warm so I do this I just never thought of sharing it!

posted on 2/16/2010 10:37:33 AM

I never thought of this. My plants will be watered now

posted on 2/16/2010 10:07:56 AM

Great post

posted on 2/16/2010 9:54:40 AM

So easy and yet such a great idea! Thanks.

posted on 2/16/2010 9:44:16 AM

Great idea... thanks! 

posted on 2/16/2010 9:42:04 AM

That is an excellent idea.  Our hot water heater is too faraway from the kitchen and we waste a lot of water waiting for it to get warm. Thanks!

posted on 2/16/2010 9:30:17 AM

Why do the simpliest things seem to be the ones I never think of. Great idea!

posted on 2/16/2010 9:30:04 AM

something so simple but I never thought about it

posted on 2/16/2010 9:28:27 AM

Thanks for sharing!

posted on 2/16/2010 9:25:42 AM

What a wonderful idea! 

posted on 2/16/2010 9:19:58 AM

We waste so much water and this is just an easy way to save.

posted on 2/16/2010 9:12:00 AM

thanks!!!  I hte seeing water go to waste and now I have a solution.

posted on 2/16/2010 8:36:47 AM

Great idea,Sure will save on the water bill...Thanks

posted on 2/16/2010 8:24:25 AM

Great idea! I already use a plastic bowl in my sink.  Gives me ample deep water to wash with and when I finish scrubbing the sink, I first rinse the sinks with the water in the bowl and only need a very quick finishing rinse.

posted on 2/16/2010 8:16:45 AM

I love tips on how to be a little more "greener"!  I also keep a small pitcher next to the faucet so when I am waiting for the hot water, i fill up my pitcher which I later grab out of the fridge and use to fill up my coffee maker!

posted on 2/16/2010 8:06:59 AM

Great idea!

posted on 2/16/2010 7:52:10 AM

I love this, I warm our coffe cups each morning so that our coffee stays hotter just a little longer....I will no longer let the water run down the drain!! Thank you

posted on 2/16/2010 7:29:41 AM