Good Ideas - Greywater System
January 17th, 2008Written by Greg Demetrick
There are a lot of things in the home that produce waste water. Sinks, bathtubs, and laundry would normally have their waste water dumped back into sewer systems or septic tanks. However, if you own your own home, you can divert this type of water to a Greywater or sullage system for other uses.
Greywater is non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes and comprises 50-80% of all residential wastewater. Greywater is distinct from blackwater in the amount and composition of its chemical and biological contaminants. For example, flushed toilet water would be considered blackwater while drained water from a load of laundry is considered greywater. Greywater can be filtered locally to reduced number of contaminants and stored for other uses in the home where non-potable water is used.
Irrigation of lawns is one area where greywater can be effectively used. By directly recycling water into your lawn you will greatly reduce the amount of potable water you use per month and will significantly reduce your water bill. Indoor reuse is also a good place to look for greywater applications. Toilets can be filled with greywater because they do not become blackwater systems until after used. When using greywater in this manner it needs to be treated before it is put back into the home in order to reduce smell and wear on the toilet. However, it can greatly reduce the overall water usage of the home, especially if you do not have a more efficient 1.5 gallon per flush toilet installed.
One great example of greywater use is the Aqus Toilet System as shown in the image above. It uses greywater from the sink, treats and stores the water in the cabinet below, then directly feeds the water to the toilet as it’s primary supply. It is estimated that this system can reduce water use in a two-person home by approximately 5,000 gallons a year.
Greywater systems are becoming a new trend in recycling and are especially attractive to people who live in the Southwest US, where water supplies can be limited. Before installing a greywater system in your home, make sure you find out if there are any local or regional requirements for installation. You can find more information on sites such as Greywater Central, Greywater Saver, and Greywater.com on how to plan, install, and use your greywater system to it’s maximum potential
Tags: greywater, Greywater Central, Greywater Saver, Greywater.com, Recycling, reuse, saving, Water Conservation
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