Ways to re-use water?

A question about : Ways to re-use water?

We have just moved into a new house with a water meter. We're a family with 2 kids under 4 who have a shallow bath every day, we use a dishwasher every day and also use washable nappies for the baby so the washing machine is also on every day.

So I'm looking at ways to reduce our water usage in other areas. We live in quite a rainy area so are looking into getting a rainwater barrel to use for watering the garden. Any recommendations or tips re a cheap barrel?

Is there anything else we can use this water for? The water companies seem to call this grey water but don't really offer much advice on how to effectively recycle it. I read somewhere about using this water to flush toilets etc. but presumably you have to install a new water tank and replumb all this which would be costly!?

Best answers:

• Severn trent have something called a Water Hog which goes in the system and reduces the amount of water needed to flush. Try your water board they may have something similar.
• Just get a small container and fill it with sand or similar and drop it in the cistern this will reduce the water used in the flush not by alot tho.
  You can also use the collected water for washing your car or cleaning your patio for example as a power washer will connect to the water butt
• Found this American Website with 49 ways to save water!!https://www.americanwater.com/49ways.htm
  Also this page from the UK environment agency has seperate links through to water saving in the home & garden
  https://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...sion=1&lang=_e
  Hope these help
  Edit - Just found this one on using grey water too.
  https://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...sion=1&lang=_e
• Search in Google for 'rainwater harvesting'
  The average house has enough water land on it roof during a year to supply all of the water needs of a family living in it (unless you have squeezed in a large family, etc)
• To resurrect an old thread... I bought a water butt or two from Wickes years ago but I think they've "rationalised" and don't do anything to do with gardening now - at least my local one doesn't. Their website continues to be pointless.