Water restrictions make us more aware of how we use water, and where we will miss using it. Capturing and using water that would have normally disappeared down the drain is a great way to stretch the water you use by capturing your grey water.
Here are a few ways to make the most out of the water you use:
- Capture the ‘warm-up water’, the water that runs while you wait for the tap to warm up, in a jug and place in the fridge for instant cold water later on
- Use the water from steaming and boiling vegetables, pasta, eggs and other foods to water the garden, just make sure it is cooled off before you use it
- Capture the nutrient rich water from cleaning aquariums and water the garden, this is a natural fertiliser
- Wash fruits and veggies in a bowl or bucket to easily take the water out to the garden
- Use a basin in the kitchen sink to capture and transport dish water. Soapy water is great for your lawns
- If you use an environmentally friendly detergent, you can redirect the drain hose out to the lawn by connecting an additional hose. If you’re worried about the detergent chemicals, only use the rinse cycle as it has lower levels of chemicals
- Discard unfinished cups of water and tea onto plants.
Note:
- Water captured from laundry, dishwashing and sinks for reuse should be used within 24 hours to limit odours and nutrient breakdown
- Due to the risk of contamination from pathogens and grease, water from dishwashers and toilets should not be captured for reuse.