Utilizing the free water from home for gardening purposes amid hosepipe ban; an innovative means of recycling!
Saving Water During a Hosepipe Ban: A Simple and Effective Solution
In the midst of a hosepipe ban, gardeners across the country are seeking creative ways to keep their plants hydrated without breaking the rules. One such solution, popularized by Gardens Editor Sophie King, involves recycling cold water run-off from household activities.
Sophie, who joined the our platform team in June 2024, has a passion for gardening that began while writing for Grow Your Own. She discovered this watering hack as a means to conserve water during a hosepipe ban. The method is simple, free, and requires only a bucket or watering can.
To implement this hack, one collects the initial cold water that flows out while waiting for hot water to arrive under the sink, and stores it in a container. This cold water run-off is then used for watering the garden.
According to Morris Hankinson, managing director and gardening expert at Hopes Grove Nurseries, this method is safe for garden plants. Cold tap water, being regular mains water, does not contain harsh chemicals and is safe to use on plants without any concerns.
In fact, recycling bath water is a good idea for gardening purposes, as it may contain more nutrients compared to cold tap water. However, it is important to ensure the water is cold before using it on plants, as lukewarm water can potentially harm them if it's too hot to touch on skin.
By collecting cold tap water run-off, gardeners can effectively reuse cleaner gray water like cold shower or tap water run-off instead of more contaminated greywater sources. This not only helps to steer clear of breaking hosepipe ban rules, but also recycles water for gardening purposes, making it a more sustainable choice.
In addition to collecting cold tap water run-off, there are other ways to maximize water efficiency during a hosepipe ban. These include adding mulch or organic matter to soil to improve moisture retention, reducing the need for watering, and considering rain barrels or greywater recycling systems for additional water sources if allowed by local regulations.
The savings from this method could be substantial, potentially up to 80 liters per day. This is equivalent to eight watering cans, making a significant difference in water conservation efforts during a hosepipe ban.
So, the next time you find yourself waiting for the tap water to heat up, consider collecting the cold water run-off and using it to water your garden. It's a small change that can make a big difference, and it's a legal and safe way to keep your plants hydrated during water restrictions.
By adopting the watering hack proposed by Sophie King, gardening enthusiasts can reuse cold tap water run-off from household activities, which is particularly useful during a hosepipe ban. This eco-friendly lifestyle choice not only promotes water conservation but also contributes to gardening within the bounds of the rules.
