DIY water recycling system captures shower runoff for toilets

A YouTuber named GilDIY has developed an ingenious DIY system designed to reduce water waste by capturing cold water used while waiting for a shower to warm up. The captured water is automatically redirected to refill toilet tanks.

The device utilizes a temperature sensor and a potentiometer, allowing users to set a specific temperature threshold. Using an Arduino board, servomotors, and 3D-printed components, the system operates a valve that diverts water to a reservoir as long as it remains below the desired temperature. Once the water reaches the set heat, the mechanism switches to allow the water to flow through the showerhead normally.

In France, toilet flushing accounts for approximately 20% of domestic water consumption, making such conservation technologies potentially impactful for household resource management.