Greywater Systems
What is greywater?
Greywater is essentialy washwater. That means all wastewater,
excluding toilets and food sinks, that has been used in the home
that can be reused for other purposes, especially landscape
irrigation. Dish, shower, sink and laundry water comprises 50-80%
of residential "waste" water.
Greywater is essentialy washwater. That means all wastewater,
excluding toilets and food sinks, that has been used in the home
that can be reused for other purposes, especially landscape
irrigation. Dish, shower, sink and laundry water comprises 50-80%
of residential "waste" water.
Why use greywater?
Its a true waste of drinkable water to be using large quantities for
irrigation, when plants thrive on used water containing small bits of
compost. Greywater reuse is a part of the fundamental solution to
many problems, not just of aiding water supply. Several benefits of
greywater are:
Its a true waste of drinkable water to be using large quantities for
irrigation, when plants thrive on used water containing small bits of
compost. Greywater reuse is a part of the fundamental solution to
many problems, not just of aiding water supply. Several benefits of
greywater are:
- Lower fresh water usage
- Increased plant growth
- Reclaiming nutrients that are otherwise wasted
- Groundwater recharge
- Less straing on septic tanks or treatment plants
- Less energy and chemical use
- Topsoil nutrification
Can you use a greywater system in California?
Yes you can. As of last year, California made greywater legal to use
for single family residences. The history of greywater is a long one,
even though most people assume this is a new concept. Santa
Barbara was the first district in the US with building codes
legalizing greywater in 1989. And by 1992, California adopted the
International Plumbing Code format, which became the impetus for
designing their own state greywater code for building officials to
refer to readily. The current California code has been revised and is
explained in layman's terms in the above guide. You can also
download the full text of the current greywater standards here (PDF).
How can I install my own greywater system?
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has
published a comprehensive how-to guide (PDF) of the steps to
creating your own greywater system. Art Ludwig is a well respected
ecological systems designer with almost 30 years experience in
wastewater systems, runs a consulting company called Oasis
Design and is based out of Santa Barbara. He has written several
books, made DVDs, and runs a very informational website all on
the subject on greywater systems. Bahman Sheikh, a reputable
policy analyst, has published many papers and reports on water
recycling, wastewater reclamation and especially greywater.
Yes you can. As of last year, California made greywater legal to use
for single family residences. The history of greywater is a long one,
even though most people assume this is a new concept. Santa
Barbara was the first district in the US with building codes
legalizing greywater in 1989. And by 1992, California adopted the
International Plumbing Code format, which became the impetus for
designing their own state greywater code for building officials to
refer to readily. The current California code has been revised and is
explained in layman's terms in the above guide. You can also
download the full text of the current greywater standards here (PDF).
How can I install my own greywater system?
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has
published a comprehensive how-to guide (PDF) of the steps to
creating your own greywater system. Art Ludwig is a well respected
ecological systems designer with almost 30 years experience in
wastewater systems, runs a consulting company called Oasis
Design and is based out of Santa Barbara. He has written several
books, made DVDs, and runs a very informational website all on
the subject on greywater systems. Bahman Sheikh, a reputable
policy analyst, has published many papers and reports on water
recycling, wastewater reclamation and especially greywater.
What do I need to know with greywater?
Lagoons or ponds containing greywater can grow algae to feed fish
in a separate pond, or provide food for ducks and other waterfowl.
Removal of the algae is necessary to keep the system aerobic and
prevent foul odors. Ponds are often lined with concrete, stone, or
plastic to prevent leakage. This method is a relatively inexpensive
and easy way to recycle water, but requires some expertise to site
and construct the lagoons.
With an automatic clothes washer, the wash water from a lightly
soiled load, or rinse water, can be saved to wash the next load.
When reusing laundry water for irrigation, do not use liquid fabric
softener or detergents including softener (use softener sheets in
the dryer instead). Water should not be reused if the laundry
includes diapers. Wash water containing gasoline, diesel, or
similar pollutants, should not be used for purposes other than
flushing.
Untreated greywater should not be kept for longer than one day, but
adding two tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of water will
extend storage time somewhat. Try to use greywater the day it is
collected or the high bacteria count will cause objectionable odors.
Observe these precautions when using untreated greywater:
* Greywater containing sodium, bleach or borax can damage
plants. For this reason, water from automatic dishwashers should
not be used for irrigation.
* Water used to wash cooking utensils in the sink may contain
grease, fats and oils, and is not acceptable for greywater use.
* If you plan to use water from your washing machine, avoid liquid
fabric softeners and detergents with softeners. Biodegradable
laundry detergents are available for washing use.
For more greywater errors and mistakes, please read here.
Lagoons or ponds containing greywater can grow algae to feed fish
in a separate pond, or provide food for ducks and other waterfowl.
Removal of the algae is necessary to keep the system aerobic and
prevent foul odors. Ponds are often lined with concrete, stone, or
plastic to prevent leakage. This method is a relatively inexpensive
and easy way to recycle water, but requires some expertise to site
and construct the lagoons.
With an automatic clothes washer, the wash water from a lightly
soiled load, or rinse water, can be saved to wash the next load.
When reusing laundry water for irrigation, do not use liquid fabric
softener or detergents including softener (use softener sheets in
the dryer instead). Water should not be reused if the laundry
includes diapers. Wash water containing gasoline, diesel, or
similar pollutants, should not be used for purposes other than
flushing.
Untreated greywater should not be kept for longer than one day, but
adding two tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of water will
extend storage time somewhat. Try to use greywater the day it is
collected or the high bacteria count will cause objectionable odors.
Observe these precautions when using untreated greywater:
* Greywater containing sodium, bleach or borax can damage
plants. For this reason, water from automatic dishwashers should
not be used for irrigation.
* Water used to wash cooking utensils in the sink may contain
grease, fats and oils, and is not acceptable for greywater use.
* If you plan to use water from your washing machine, avoid liquid
fabric softeners and detergents with softeners. Biodegradable
laundry detergents are available for washing use.
For more greywater errors and mistakes, please read here.
Additional Resources and Articles:
Oakland North: Greywater systems give tap water a second life
Water World: As we devise new ways to save this crucial resource,
the practice of using gray water is largely ignored
Oakland North: Greywater systems give tap water a second life
Water World: As we devise new ways to save this crucial resource,
the practice of using gray water is largely ignored