Our water diet

One of the unique side effects of our adventure here is that we've been forced to think about how much water we use. And in a really tangible way -- there is a 2000 gallon cistern outside and when it's empty (or ideally before it's empty), I have to refill it. Because of problems with the well here, we have to haul water this way.

As a result, we've been forced to be very very frugal with water. That means quick showers, quick hand washes, and doing all laundry except Georgie's diapers elsewhere. I was certainly taught not to waste water, but until recently that was a pretty vague concept. Whether you have a well or you are connected to a municipal supply, you have a pretty endless supply. I can't say I've always felt guilty if I left the water running while I brushed my teeth. Now I am trying to find the most water-efficient way to wash dishes. And the worst part of it is the institution of the "if it's yellow, let it mellow..." toilet policy. That's 1.6 gallons per flush that we just can't afford to lose. That policy will happily be on hiatus while my family is here this weekend.

We're having a similar conservation drive with propane, which heats our apartment and our water. At least in that case it's delivered though.