• Don’t flush the toilet. Use the water from your dishpan to flush. Collect water in a bucket for this purpose and keep one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom. Cooking water, too, if you don’t save it for soaps. You can also bail your washing machine just before it drains, both wash and rinse cycles.

• If you run water until it is cold for a glass of drinking water, collect that water and use it on plants, in the tea kettle or wherever it’s needed. It’s good, clean water.

• Turn on the shower to hot first — collect that water in a bucket until it gets hot, then adjust to the temperature that you want. That’s good clean water.

• Don’t let shower or bath water go down the drain. Bucket it for flushing or for the washing machine which uses a huge amount of drinking water.

Been there and done that. Love your column! — No name, no town.

ANSWER: Thank you for writing in with this helpful advice. With the majority of the state still in moderate to severe drought, these tips are sure to come in handy for any struggling well owners.

More information on water conservation is available at maineprepares.com. If you are having problems with your well due to the drought, contact your town to report the problem and determine if they have any resources to help you. You can also contact 2-1-1 to report your dry well and find additional resources.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Do the contestants on “Dancing with the Stars” get paid for appearing on the show? — No name, Lewiston.

ANSWER: Yes, they do get paid for appearing on the show. TMZ reported a little glimpse into what their salaries are like back in 2015 when Bindi Irwin was a contestant. Her earnings were reported because she was a minor at the time and there was a court case regarding her parents giving up rights to the money that she was earning. According to the report, she was guaranteed $125,000 plus up to $50,000 a week for as long as she stayed on the show. Each contestant has a contract, so it’s not clear whether they each make the same amount, but they certainly do get paid.

DEAR READERS: Sun Spots is very happy to share requests for volunteers and donations, whether it’s long term needs or just for one event. We often have nonprofits and organizations seeking volunteers in this column, and there are always people in the community willing to help. So please, feel free to write in with your group’s requests.

One of those organizations recently sent in a poem titled, “Why Be A Volunteer?” The author is unknown.

It’s not for the money, it’s not for the fame,

It’s not only for personal gain.

It’s not just for love of fellow man,

It’s just to reach out with a helping hand.

It’s just to give a little of self,

That’s something that can’t be bought with wealth.

It’s not for medals worn with pride,

It’s more of a feeling you hold inside.

It’s that reward deep within your heart,

It’s feeling that you have been a part

Of helping others far and near —

That’s what makes you become

A volunteer. 

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected], tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.