Appreciation post: My DIY rain catcher kept my plants alive without spiking the water bill

I was tired of seeing my water bill jump every summer from watering the lawn and flower beds. So, I looked up how to make a simple rain collector from an old garbage can. It took an afternoon to set up, with just a few parts from the hardware store. Once it rained, the can filled up, and I used that water for weeks. My bill last month was about twenty dollars less than usual, which really helped my tight budget. It feels good to save money and use less treated water for the garden. What are some other low-cost ways you've saved on utilities? I'm thinking of trying something similar for washing my car.

4 comments

4 Comments

dakotal492mo ago

Ever try saving the cold shower water? I keep a bucket in there to catch it before it warms up. Use that for flushing toilets or outdoor plants. It's a minor hassle, but it shaves a bit off the bill.

logan_patel2mo ago

Seems like more trouble than it's worth for most people, honestly.

alexpalmer2mo ago

Is that bucket really worth the hassle? The tiny bit of water saved doesn't make a dent in my monthly bill. It just turns a simple shower into a chore!

victor_nelson2mo ago

Forget the water bill, what about the sewer bill? That's often based on your water use too. Saving a few gallons in the shower lowers both charges. It adds up over a year, more than people realize. The bucket is a visual reminder of waste we usually just send down the drain. Makes you think about all the other little leaks in the house.