6 Easy Ways to Recycle Water Every Day

Since I was in elementary school, I’ve been lectured about how to conserve water. Recently I caught wind about recycling water.

What exactly does it mean to recycle water? The common definition relates to sewage water, which you and I can’t help with on an individual level.

However, ordinary citizens can take water that would otherwise been wasted (i.e. shower water) and save it for non-drinking purposes. Think of it as a step beyond water conservation and to save on your water bill too!

Here are 6 easy ways to recycle water:

1. Shower Buckets – Think back to your shower this morning. I bet that you let the water run a little until it got nice and hot, right? Although this primes the temp, it wastes water. Instead of throwing precious water down the drain, place a large bucket under the tap and collect cold water for later.

Photo: Creative Commons

 

2. Rain Barrels – Rain barrels collect water that runs off into the sewage systems. Models can get complex (and pricy!), but starters can place a simple barrel under your gutter’s downspout.

3. Cooking Water – Washing pasta or vegetables before cooking empties water down the drain. Instead, place a pot underneath those vegetables to catch that excess water. Although it won’t save as much as rain barrels, it will add up after every meal!

4. Drinking Water – Poured yourself or a guest a glass of water and let it sit too long? If you’re not going to drink it later, recycle them for tasks like watering house plants.

5. Bath Water – After a relaxing bath at night, that soapy water goes down the drain. That water can easily be put into buckets for everyday cleaning tasks or cleaning your car.

6. Grey Water – Grey wateris wasted every day, but doesn’t contain sewage, so it can easily be filtered for reuse like laundry, showers, baths, and dishwashers. A grey water system connects directly to your plumbing to capture this water. Although these systems do require installation, they reduce water usage by 30-70%!

Beyond recycling water for potted plants and washing cars, there are other options.

Here’s a quick list of ways to reuse your recycled water:

• Clean sinks, toilets, floors, etc,
• Water plants, both inside and outside
• Wash dishes
• Water your lawn
• Wash your car
• Feed your pet

 

Readers, what do you do to recycle water?