[Angel]

in the UK three in ten people underestimate the amount of water they use in washing, laundry, cooking and cleaning. For example, it is estimated here we waste six billion litres of hot water every year simply by using a pre-wash cycle in the washing machine.

[Green-Moo]

We have water shortages here in the summer, so I am very aware of our water usage. I collect all our greywater for use on the garden, so I'm careful not to flush chemicals & detergents down the drain.

The water waste I find most irritating is when folk leave the tap running whilst cleaning their teeth!

[horselover]

We do laundry once a week, so we don't waste it there.

My husband is the worst water waster I've heard. What I mean by that is that every night I hear him running the tub water while taking a bath. I don't know if he even fills the tub.

[Roguegal]

I know of two good ways you can conserve water. First, if you have a water cooler on your home you can convert it into a swamp cooler. By that I mean instead of having the water recycle within the cooler you can water your yard with it. Running hose from your cooler to your yard. Now if you put, if not sure what it's called, plug on the end of the hose, you can have the convenience of both.

Also if you use a detergent and your war should machine that is environment friendly, you can easily attach a longer post and also use this to water your yard or garden.

Just remember when you were doing this with either one of these methods that you want to go out and move the hose periodically see the flood one area of your yard. These make for beautiful yards.

[rubybeetle]

We hardly waste any water. We drain graywater from the kitchen sink, bathroom sink and shower, and washing machine. We had to haul water in for a while so we learned to be resourceful.

[mollyL]

I try very hard to not waste water, but I think I probably waste more than I should. As to laundry and presoaking and prerinsing, I always use cold water.
Only very rarely do I use hot water to wash, or unless I am using bleach do I use hot water. Stains will set in clothes washed in hot and warm water, cold is the way to go!

[RFL1986]

I only do my laundry once a week and always in cold water so that's one plus on my side. Also I try to remember to do all of the little things like turning the tap off when brushing my teeth or shaving and only running full loads of dirty dishes in the dishwasher. We get droughts in my area some summers as well so every little bit is for the greater good.

[EviesEarth]

We have 3 little ones, so we do a fair amount of laundry. I do almost all of our washes in cold though. With the exception of baby diapers, those have to be washed hot.

[Green-Moo]

Originally Posted by EviesEarth

With the exception of baby diapers, those have to be washed hot.

I disagree. Mine are washed on the economy 30 minute cycle on my machine, & it's perfectly adequate.

[EviesEarth]

Originally Posted by Green-Moo

I disagree. Mine are washed on the economy 30 minute cycle on my machine, & it's perfectly adequate.

I have never tried using just cold. Tell me how you wash them-do you use a special soap? I use bi o kleen and borax or baking soda.
Is your machine a HE one? Curious here as I would love to shorten the washing time or use just cold.