Reusing bath water... Have I Gone Too Far???

**CYork** · 08-02-2008, 06:58 PM

Lately I've been using the kids' old bath water to water plants and flush the toilet. My husband just cracks up everytime he sees me doing this. Our summer water bill (due to pool water evaporation) is around $250 per month. I figure every bit helps.

Have I gone too far????

**scottVee** · 08-02-2008, 07:06 PM

Nothing wrong with that. The "green" term is "gray water" -- water which has been used, and is no good for drinking. It can still be used for toilets, watering plants, and basic washing where pure clean water isn't required. There are actually fairly sophisticated gray water storage systems that can be installed in homes, but they're still around $5K plus the creative plumbing costs.

We have a shower that takes a while to get warm, so we have a 5-gallon bucket under the spout when it's warming up. No point wasting that water. We have a gallon jug by the sink for random dish water ... the plants don't mind.

Southern California here, with serious water shortages looming in our future.

Bailing out a tub to reuse the water isn't a real effective use of time though. You have to decide whether possible back injury (hauling a big bucket around) is worth saving a buck or two.

**staciah** · 08-02-2008, 07:12 PM

I reuse my water from the bath too. You have not gone too far at all. You are actually very smart!!

**Lilolme** · 08-02-2008, 07:13 PM

No, I wouldn't say you are going overboard! I would love to implement reusing the bathwater. However, DH would have me committed! He thinks I have already lost my mind with some of my frugal ways!!!

**mrsvargas** · 08-02-2008, 11:07 PM

I do the same thing! My DH just laughs at me

**ladykemma2** · 08-02-2008, 11:25 PM

i do this with a SMALL bucket

**zakity** · 08-02-2008, 11:30 PM

I think it is a great idea. It is a great way to get water for your plants. It actually saves you twice. Once for not having to use "fresh" water to water your garden and the second for not having to pay sewer charges for that water.

**Karla** · 08-03-2008, 04:18 AM

I see nothing wrong with doing this..plants arent to picky and with that high of a water bill I would do the same.

**favesis37** · 08-03-2008, 06:37 AM

nothing wrong with it. i use all the left over coffe,soda, juice to water my plants, i don't think they have had"water" for about 3 months now.

**blitzen** · 08-03-2008, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by favesis37

nothing wrong with it. i use all the left over coffe,soda, juice to water my plants, i don't think they have had"water" for about 3 months now.

I wonder what effect (if any) caffeine has on plants? Do you think it makes them grow faster?

I see nothing wrong with using used water! We dump our dehumidifier water in a rain barrel. I have thought about using dish water to water my plants but I wasn't sure if the dish soap I use would be harmful to the plants?

**larabelle** · 08-03-2008, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by CYork

$250 per month. I figure every bit helps.

Have I gone too far????

Nope at $250 per month every little bit counts.

**Clutterbug Jen** · 08-03-2008, 11:16 AM

No I don't think ya have gone too far ... I think it's a pretty smart idea!

And yes, every little bit DOES help.

Love,

Jen

**beks37** · 08-03-2008, 11:19 AM

With a water bill like that, I see absolutley nothing wrong with reusing the bath water. You might as well!

**Wendy99** · 08-03-2008, 12:33 PM

good job!! I think thats awesome, not only financially but environmently

**azangie** · 08-03-2008, 12:48 PM

Oh my gosh!!! I would do the same thing if our water bill was that high. Where do you live???

We have an underground pool here in AZ and even with our hot weather, our water/trash/sewer bill has never even hit $60 a month.

$250 would just floor me!!!!