I've been meaning to post about saving water and this storm tonight has just reminded me! 😀
Out of curiosity, I wondered how much water a shower saves, relative to a bath. So I had a normal shower standing in my bath with the plug in. Now I don't wallow under the water for longer than it takes to wash and condition my hair, but there was a bathful within a couple of minutes.
I realised that I habitually turn the hot tap on full and the cold tap 90 degrees (this gives the perfect temperature) but I get the same temp when I just turn the hot tap 90 degrees and use less cold water too! I saved loads of water this way. I also noticed the following benefits of filling the tub as I shower:
1. I can turn off the shower & sit in the bathwater to de-fuzz (this way I also get fewer razor nicks cos my legs are warmer in the waterso no goosebumps)
2. My feet had a lovely soak and felt softer after
3. I save the water for my plants if not too soapy
4. It makes me more aware of saving water as I can see how much I've used.
Obviously this only works in a bath/shower - don't try this in a shower cubicle (my sister did that whenwe were little to try to swim to the ceiling, but she nearly went through the floor instead!!)
Any other thoughts on saving water?
Catherine
RE: Do you shower over a bath?
Hi Catherine,
I've found that showers don't save more water than having an 'eco friendly' bath (i.e running the water til it reaches your ankles and no further!)
I often put the plug in when I'm showering and reap the same benefits as you. I haven't yet saved the water for the plants though but might try in future if feeling particularly virtuous!
RE: Do you shower over a bath?
I prefer showers, as they are quicker, although every now and then I really fancy a soak in the bath (which I do at Xmas when I visit my parents) 🙂
RE: Do you shower over a bath?
When in Cyprus during summer-time I always shower with my partner! That way we both have a shower in almost the same time as if one had! The reason being, the shower runs for nothing when someone is trying to lather up the hair on the head or apply soap to their body away from it. With two people, one lathers up while the other rinses and vice-versa - job done using almost half the water.
And a lot less boring too - if you have the right company! 😉
RE: Do you shower over a bath?
I used to shower when i lived at home with my parents, but i moved out into a house which only has a bath with a shower attachment. I was really annoyed at first, but i have slowly got used to having a bath instead of a shower. It does take longer (as i like to wallow!), but i do find that i actually use less water than i used to when i showered. 😀