Reusing Gray Water

Reusing gray water is becoming more popular. Many urban and rural cities and towns are installing gray water systems. Also known as greywater, gray water consists of all wastewater other than toilet and kitchen sink and food wastes from garbage disposals.

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Gray water is different from black water. Black water comes from toilet waste where gray water comes from sources like bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines and laundry tubs. Gray water is not from kitchen sinks, dishwashers or laundry water from dirty diapers.

Most water waste in larger cities flows to sewers and is recycled at water sanitation plants. If you have a septic system, your gray water is mixed with black water sources and then flows to your septic tank where if helps irrigate fields and land.

Gray water is better than black water for these reasons:

• It contains less nitrogen than black water
• It contains less pathogens
• It decomposes faster

Sixty percent of all the water produced by homes comes from gray water sources. By reusing gray water, you can use it to irrigate gardens, trees and plants around your home. If you have well water, you can also install systems like Worrell Water Technologies HydroSecure II system. The HydroSecure II system filters water from your well or other water source and frees it from toxins, E. coli, bacteria, and other contaminants. The HydroSecure system was developed after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 to help protect water systems from toxin terrorist attacks and is now available for home use. Gray water that has been pre-filtered through purification systems is better for plants, trees, and your garden.

Further reusing gray water helps contribute to low-impact living, recycling efforts, and eco-friendly living.

Reusing gray water can be an exciting adventure, however, most cities and towns have regulations on how to install gray water systems. There are two kinds of gray water systems. The first, a gravity fed system uses no electricity or pumps and is more desirable if you have a lot of land around your home. The second, a package system does use electricity and a pump but can be installed in your home. Keep in mind whatever system you use, you’ll more than likely have to get a permit. Oasis Design offers a gray water policy web page that outlines policies for reusing gray water in some states where these systems have been approved. The Gray Water Policy Center offers great tips on legal considerations, permitting, and gray water studies for homeowners. Do some research here to find out if a reusing gray water is an option where you live.

The Ecology Center offers tips on how installing a do-it-yourself gray water system but warns that it’s best to consult a professional who is knowledgeable about not just the system but the permitting required. Companies that offer gray water and drinking systems include:

• The Natural Home
• GreenRock
• HydroSecure II / Worrell Water Technologies

Keep these tips in mind when using gray water:

1. Only use the gray water from bathroom tubs, sinks, showers, washing machines and laundry tubs.
2. Use biodegradable detergents that are free of bleach
3. Do not store gray water
4. If used for irrigation, gray water should be drained into the soil, not sprayed into the soil.
5. Avoid using your gray water if a family member has a contagious disease like staph or hepatitis.

Reusing gray water is a great way to recycle and lower your carbon footprint. Even though many think our water supplies are endless, they are not. Recycling gray water helps to protect our water resources. Learn more about how wastewater and gray water are being recycled on a larger scale by visiting Living Machines, a technology developed by Worrell Water Technologies.

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• United States Recycling Statistics
• Types of Pollution
• Air Pollution Statistics
• Effects of Water Pollution
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