Household Waste Water Recycling Systems

What Is Waste Water?

Waste water is often referred to as grey water. Any water that has been used in the home, with the exception of water in the toilet, can be referred to as waste water. Water that is used in the shower, bathtub, dishwasher, bathroom and kitchen sinks, and the laundry, as well as outside faucets, make up anywhere from 50 percent to 80 percent of residential waste water. Why is it considered “waste”? This water could be reused for a multitude of purposes, including:

• Watering yards and gardens
• Filtering septic systems
• Irrigating fields

Benefits of Household Waste Water Recycling Systems

What are the benefits of household waste water recycling systems? There are many, and they include the following:

• Less fresh water use
• Reduce strain on septic tanks
• Reduce strain on treatment plants
• Reduce energy use
• Reduce chemical requirements
• Reclaim wasted nutrients
• Recharge groundwater
• Encourage plant growth and topsoil treatment economically

Plants and topsoil thrive on waste water, which contains small bits of compost. The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, or NOWRA, is the largest waste water organization in the United States and provides waste water usage education and training programs. According to this organization, many cities and towns have problems meeting the expense of expanding the capacity of their waste water treatment facilities. They may also be unable to extend septic lines to urban areas, which include fast growing new developments. In many areas, onsite systems now provide more than 40 percent of the waste water treatment services to residential areas, including neighborhoods, shopping malls, and any other commercial businesses throughout the U.S. The solution? Household waste water recycling systems which conserve, protect, and regulate water usage.

Legalities

Before you install a waste water recycling system, you’ll need to check with your local building department. Some states have specific grey water policies regarding construction and remodeling. Keep in mind, however, that you may be able to save as much as 70 percent or more of your water by recycling waste water, so it pays to check into this option.

Types of Systems

There are various types of waste water recycling systems available for purchase. Some of these include the following:

• Watersmart - Consumers like the fact that a Watersmart gully can be designed around their needs. Whether the issue is surge volume, filtering, irrigation, or pumping, this recycling system may work for you. It is easy to install and can be run on manual or set to be fully automated. The automated option is convenient, as it allows the user to direct the water by simply flipping a switch.
• EcoNova - The EcoNova is designed to work with all types of household waste water. It recycles the water to a Class A+ quality, and it needs no other disinfectant. Once the water has been recycled through this system, it should be 99.9999999 percent free of pathogens.
• ECOplus - With the ECOplus waste water system, consumers can save up to 70 percent or more of their water. This system sends treated waste water back through the toilet or outside to be used for the garden and yard. It is designed to save water and prevent overloading of septic tank leach fields as well. This system does not use black water or toilet water, and instead recycles water from the shower, bath and washer.
• Enviro Alternatives - This Website lists several system alternatives. You may find one that fits your recycling needs..