Our machine is as closed to "like they used to" as you can get these days. A mechanical, regular top loading, with agitator, speed queen. All metal tub and most importantly-no digital. And it fills all the way up with water.
eta: we have a septic system. I've never heard of needing to use low water machines with it and I can't even imagine it since the low water machines have only been out for a few years, but septic systems have been around for decades. We limit the amount of bleach we use and don't use a garbage disposal at all. We never put medicine down the drain or in the toilet.
Last edited by gale; 10-15-2016 at 12:48 AM.