Dear Editor,
This just in! How to cut back inside water use by 50 per cent? Re-use all water in the home, at least once.
Four and a half steps:
1. BATH/SHOWER: Plug the bathtub to save first-shower water. Don’t drain the first-bath water. Save this for the second-bather (and oh, use the sink to shave).
2. When re-used BATH/SHOWER water becomes murky, scoop into a pail, use to flush the toilet.
3. FLUSHING TOILET: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” ‘Nough said.
4. DISH WATER: As well, commandeer dish water for toilet flushing (with an environment-friendly soap you can also water your thirsty plants) .
4.5 LAUNDRY WATER: In the absence of an old wringer washer (google this if necessary) which saved both wash and rinse water for re-use, just decrease your laundry use of water. Wear clothes longer, use only full loads, spot clean that ice cream drip. Jerry-rig a means to re-use rinse water for the following wash load. Then, tell the world.
But here’s the tough part. Have the “drought talk” with neighbours whose automatic sprinkler systems are running day and night, with impunity. Report ‘em if necessary.
Finally, insist that our Richmond civic leaders end this water brinksmanship and enact responsible water restrictions that are timely and conservative. Why wait for a summer threat? We are seeking to do our part in our homes. Shouldn’t they do theirs?
Jo Anne Gray
Richmond
