During the stormy season, keep barrels at the ends of the house for water run off. This can be used to water the garden, water the animals and other outside things.
Don't wash that car. Wait to wash your car until you have resources available.
Reuse canning water in the washer instead of having to add water to it.
Only do the wash when you have a full load of clothes. Wash your clothes late at night to save electricity. This is not during peak hours.
Use the dishwasher on a setting that uses less water. If you wash dishes by hand, only put enough water in the sink to wash what you have and leave the rest for the end of the day cleanup when you can add more hot water to it. (If you scrape plates clean it will be easier to accomplish this task.)
Don't allow the water to run when you brush your teeth or wash your face.
Last but not least, be sure you take short showers and that all your water elements are energy savers.
By gem from Gordonsville, VA
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All great ideas. Some I remember my mother telling me ages ago and others were new and quite clever, thank you! I just wanted to put a warning out to people regarding gathering rain water. We moved from Virginia to out west and recently learned that there are places out here where it is against the law to collect rainwater. I forget the exact reason, but before you do, make sure you know your state's or town's laws.
Good common sense tips.
Collecting rainwater in many areas is against the law because of assorted pollutants and also in many areas they aerial spray regularly for bugs and the insecticides settle/collect on roofs, etc. and then the insecticides run off along with the rainwater. That water definitely would not be fit to drink, wash with or use on foods in the garden. :-(
Another way to conserve water is to turn it off while washing hands and dishes and then turn back on to rinse.
When you wash your hands, wet them, turn the water off, soap them, then turn water back on to rinse. Keep a bucket in the shower and catch the water as you wait for it to warm up. The same applies to the kitchen sink. Save the little ones bath water to flush the toilet with.Run the washer hose to a barrel and use the water on your lawn (use white vinegar on whites, not bleach) or garden, the soap will keep bugs away. If you have window air conditioners, place a bucket under it and catch the water to flush toilets, wash the car or mop the floor. Every drop of water saved helps.
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