There are many ways to reuse water for other purposes including:
- Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning around your home.
- Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Set the water level for the size of load you are using.
- When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don't let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.
- Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a vegetable compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste, instead of using a garbage disposal.
- Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up.
- Don't let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.
- Taking shorter showers by two minutes will save an hour of running water per month.
- Replace your shower head with an ultra-low-flow version.
- Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water and use this to water plants. The same technique can be used when washing dishes or vegetables in the sink.