Grey Water Recycling System Australia

Grey Doesn't Have To Be A Bad Thing: Grey Water Saves You From Being Blue

Not all of us have to be like the family on Wife Swap, that only takes showers twice a week and all four family members use the same bath water one after the other, but many of us can find more than one use for the water we use, saving this valuable resource as well as saving some many on our water bill. How you ask? By using "grey water."

What is grey water? Grey water is the reusable water from showers, tubs or washing machines. Water from sinks, dishwashers or toilets is not considered to be grey water. Grey water can be diverted outside and reused to water plants, shrubs, trees or lawns. With the addition of a holding tank, grey water can also be used to flush toilets.

How much grey water does a typical home generate? A recent study revealed the percentages of water used in homes for various purposes- 20% for laundry 10% for kitchen and drinking needs 5% for cleaning 35% for showers or baths 30% for toilets That means that over half of the water used in homes is used for laundry or showering and bathing and therefore is grey water.

Advantages of using Grey Water: *Can reduce ground water usage by up to one-third *Helps septic systems as septic systems work best when a lot of water does not enter at once *Reduced water bills *Reduced electric bills

Some newer homes, especially those labeled as Sustainable Development or Green Built, are already plumbed for grey water diversion. The grey water pipe is connected to the sanitary drainage system and a three-way diversion valve must be installed on the line. These valves are available from plumbing or pool supply stores. Grey water can either be drained directly to the landscape or can be drained to and stored in a tank. If it is being drained to the landscaping adding straw, bark or organic materials to the soil can improve filtration and create a more porous surface. If it is stored, plumbing codes will apply to how long the grey water can be stored before use and generally this is a couple of days.

Grey water systems, such as The Brac Systems, can be designed into new construction or added to existing residences. With a water recycling system, drains from the showers, tubs and laundry are routed to the recycling system and filtered. The tanks often use a tri-chlorine tablet similar those used in swimming pools to keep grey water bacteria and odor free.

Credits for Grey Water Systems Many states offer homeowners or builders credits for installing a grey water system. For example, in Arizona a homeowner who installs a grey water system can receive a credit of up to $1, 000.00 and homebuilders can receive up to $200.00 per grey water system installed.

Special Care when Using Grey Water When using grey water, you need to be especially careful about what goes into your water supply.

Water softeners- Only use a potassium salt and not sodium to soften water. Sodium chloride salt will burn plant leaves. The potassium chloride will not but it is more expensive. Laundry detergents- Use only laundry soaps that do not contain boron and are low in sodium. Cleaning products- Use phosphate-free or low-phosphate household cleaners and natural detergents.

More and more communities are recognizing that water is a precious resource and that consumers need to not only reduce their use of water but also reuse and recycle grey water. Reducing lawns and using rain barrels have been two effective options for good water stewardship. Using grey water recycling systems has proven to another effective green option. Today many communities are encouraging the use of grey water systems and in the future it is expected that many communities will take an even stronger stance and mandate the use of grey water recycling systems in new homes.

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