Taking a 'sea shower' saves plenty of water
Having followed the current water shortage and looming crisis, I am here to offer a partial solution, one that works, having experienced it many years ago while serving in the Coast Guard cutter Eastwind en route to Antarctica. I offer to you all an equal-opportunity solution to this crisis. I present to you all the "Sea Shower." It is simple and in time can be fun for everyone. Here it is, try it. It works.
Step 1. Get in shower, turn on water and get wet all over (10 seconds max).
Step 2. Turn off shower.
Step 3. Shampoo hair and soap down body.
Step 4. Turn on water and wash off shampoo and soap (20 seconds max).
Semper paratus from an old Coastie.
Ian A. Millar
Kernersville
Comments (8)
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Ian,
Great suggestion. As part of my bid to become Greensboro's first full-time mayor I've written much about saving water:
http://www.musecrafters.com/bloggingpoet/2601/Write-in+Billy+Jones+For+Mayor+Of+Greensboro.html
Posted on October 30, 2007 7:49 AM
To quote Chevy Chase:
"Save water, shower with a friend!"
(Can't believe I actually remember that ...)
Posted on October 30, 2007 8:12 AM
`
Well, now I know who that guy was standing in line next to me at the Chop House. You didn't get all the soap off your neck or your hair!
`
Posted on October 30, 2007 9:01 AM
ian,
i've been practing a version of that for several years now. when my well went dry (several years ago) it took 17 days before we had running water again. in that time we were able to take 5 gal. buckets of water from our pool and use it to bathe and flush toilets. it was during this time that i realized just how 'little' water it actually took to bathe - so ever since then i turn on the shower to just a trickle and do just as you described. the old saying ' you don't appreciate something until you loose it ' sure changed my perspective on water - thanks for a timely suggestion.
Posted on October 30, 2007 9:04 AM
That's a great suggestion, Ian. I'd bought a very clean Prevost a couple of weekends ago at the Greensboro Coliseum, and it can only carry 160 gallons of fresh water onboard. This will be a handy way to conserve water on those one or two days we can't find a fully equipped RV park to overnight in.
Ha.
Roger
Posted on October 30, 2007 9:48 AM
Soap-up valves sell for about $5 at Home Depot. You used to be able to get them for free at the library but I'm not sure if that's still the case.
They are great because you don't have to go through the motions of turning on the water, turning on the shower and getting the temperature right all over again. Just push a button and you're ready.
They pay for themselves pretty quickly if you have city water.
Posted on October 30, 2007 12:06 PM
Installing a tankless water heater would probably help to, but I've never had one.
Posted on October 30, 2007 12:07 PM
nit, those tankless water heaters can be costly.
As for this showering idea, I too have used a variant for all the years I have been living alone (over 10). Since I only have my income to use for expenses (necessities, wants, pleasure), I try to save as much as possible in any way possible. Therefore, a "trickle" showerhead. It allows just a trickle or no water to flow and then instead of turning the faucet on/off every time, just turn the shower head on/off. This saves the time for the water temp to rise.
If I had a friend to shower with, I would do so! Any applicants?
Shalom
Posted on October 30, 2007 2:38 PM