Yup, you can use your "normal" washer, but remember this:
Your "normal" top loading washer uses just under *50* gallons (really, put your drain hose into a 50 gallon drum) to wash a "large* (usually about 15 pounds) load of laundry.
I work in a commercial laundry. If we use *MORE* than 2 gallons of water per pound of product, there is a MAJOR problem, and we have to find it and remedy it BEFORE the local enviro-fascists learn about it. At this moment in time, we are down to just UNDER one gallon of water per pound of CLEAN, PRESSED AND READY FOR USE (sterile)product. This is for HOSPITAL and operating room laundry.
As soon as I can, I'm getting a front loading washer. NOT for the "enviro-weenie's" sake. but because I have really SEEN the difference between what is thought "normal" and the reality of water waste.
We own dry cleaning store so I know what you are talking about. I also know that the front loading machines are much easier on the clothes than the usual agitator of the top-loading machines. I think you will be pleasantly surprised after you begin breathing again after purchasing one the expensive front loaders--I know I felt much better after the first few loads and was breathing normally after only a week!