If installing a gray water system isn’t in the cards for your home, you can still capture and reuse some gray water by sticking a bucket in your shower. It will catch the water that bounces off your body as you shower, or you can fill it up with post-bath water. This low tech solution enables anyone to collect and reuse effluent of bathing for irrigating plants (and even flushing toilets).
This beyond simple method allows water to stay in the ground or in a reservoir, helping to maintain a natural water balance, support wildlife, and preserve it for future use. Collecting gray water can be done by anyone, no matter if you live where it rains often. Concerns are rising that there may not be enough clean water to support population growth and subsequent demand even in areas that don't technically have droughts or water restrictions, due to reduced mountain snow pack. Severe droughts have hit countries across the globe from Pakistan to Russia to the United States to Kenya, so it's all the more critical to conserve--and it's amazing how every drop adds up!
A DIY gray water system also reduces the amount of water going through sewage treatment plants and can save money.
Find a bucket you can carry without spilling--even when full--and place it in the shower.
Water plants right after bathing or collect gray water over the course of the week in an exterior rain barrel that feeds an outdoor sprinkler or hose system.
If you haven’t already, switch to non-toxic shampoos and soap so your gray water will be extra suitable for your plants.
