Q: Can water left over from bathing etc., with soap in it, be used to water orchids? We are faced with a possible water shortage and rationing.

A: If you bathed with a mild detergent such as Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo, I can see no harm resulting from that water being used on orchids. When soaps are used, I am afraid the acidity, calcium and magnesium would result in the development of precipitates in the rooting media.