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?

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Catharine was an Editorial Intern in 2014. From growing up in Damascus, Maryland to studying Marketing and Finance at Saint Joseph’s University, she got her first taste of sustainability in Elementary School when her mother went on a recycling binge and got the family on board. She assumes she'll probably be something like that when she grows up, too. She loves her other roles as a Resident Assistant and barista at Starbucks. In her spare time, she loves to go for long runs, reading Game of Thrones, and watching Hockey. View all posts by Catharine Gaylord