Greywater Systems
From LoveToKnow GreenLiving
Greywater system help you get as much use out of your water as possible. They will help you conserve water while providing irrigation to your landscape. Want to learn more? Then read the following interview with Blair Gautschi of Brac Systems, Inc.
Interview with Brac Systems
Brac Systems is a Canadian company that provides greywater systems worldwide. Recently, LoveToKnow was able to discuss the importance of greywater systems with Blair Gautschi from Brac Systems. Here is what he had to say.
About Greywater
What is greywater?
Greywater is defined as being the used water from your bathtubs, showers, lavatories, and laundry machines. "Dark" greywater, which is not permitted in any existing greywater regulations for the purpose of reuse, is the used water from your kitchen sink and dishwasher.
Why should people care about greywater?
Greywater accounts for over 30 percent of your indoor water use and is a great way to reduce not only your potable water consumption, but also the water heading to the sewer system.
Is greywater safe to use on plants and gardens?
Our systems disinfect the incoming greywater with chlorine and are capable of dialing in the free chlorine levels to as little or as much as needed. The low levels of free chlorine after treatment are completely safe for humans, pets, and the environment. However, any books that I have read regarding the use of greywater for gardens, etc., do not recommend that the greywater be sprayed directly on the plants but rather through a sub-surface type irrigation system.
Does it have to be purified before it can be used?
Definitely not purified back to potable water standards! After our system puts the greywater through the filtration and disinfection processes, it can safely be used for flushing toilets and for irrigation systems.
About Greywater Systems
Are greywater systems difficult to install?
Our systems are a unique all-in-one unit that is the size of a standard hot water tank and is easily installed by the plumbing contractor when installing the rest of the plumbing rough-in for the house.
Are they expensive?
Our residential systems range in price from $1990 CAD to $4985 CAD plus shipping and taxes. The costs for installation will vary from region to region, but a good ballpark figure would be between $1000 to $2000 for the extra material and labor for the averaged sized new house.
What type of regulations should be considered before installing a greywater system?
Our systems have been certified by IAPMO to be compliant with the greywater Standards IGC-207b and CSA B-128.1, as well as being compliant with the International Plumbing Code. Because there are no uniform codes governing greywater recycling, it is always best to contact your local city officials to see if greywater recycling is accepted in their jurisdiction.
Are greywater systems difficult to maintain?
The maintenance on our systems is quick and simple. Every two to four weeks, depending on usage, the pleated filter cartridge is removed, rinsed out under a sink and then returned to the Brac System. The chlorinator will require new pucks to be added every 12 weeks or so depending on usage as well.
Do our cleaning products affect the safety of greywater?
When using the greywater for irrigation purposes it is always recommended to be aware of what you are draining down the sink and what cleaning products are being used. Phosphate free soaps are recommended.
Final Notes
What else can you share about greywater?
A family of four can help save over 80,000 litres (21,136 USG) of fresh, clean drinking water every year just by using their shower water to flush the toilets! Not only will they be saving money on their water bill, but they will be helping to conserve our most precious natural resource for generations to come.
Anything else you would like to mention?
For more information on our entire BRAC Systems Commercial and Residential product lines, go to BracSystems.com.
LoveToKnow would like to thank Blair Gautschi for taking the time for this interview.
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