Depending on the source, it is said that the average American water footprint lies between 80 gallons to 100 gallons of water per day. That number includes showers, baths, laundry and dish washing, toilet flushing, teeth brushing, hand washing, drinking and cooking water, and so on. That’s a lot of water going down the drain- much of it without dangerous contaminants in it. Considering our growing desire to be more environmentally friendly, there has to be a way to repurpose some of that water before it has to be sent back for filtration again.
Water Reuse
The water that we use on a daily basis becomes wastewater and is removed from the house by a sewage / drainage system. Generally, we do not see this water once it is used and begins its journey to the drainage system/ centralized utility sewage treatment plant.
Yet not all wastewater is considered equal. For instance, do you think the water resulting from washing your hands is of the same quality as the water that results when you flush the toilet? Not even close. This understanding has led to the broad categorization of wastewater generated from a house into grey water and black water.
Grey Water versus Black Water
Grey water is generally defined as all wastewater that remains free from fecal contamination. This term includes wastewater generated from hand and dish washing, showering, and washing vegetables and clothing (except items such as soiled cloth diapers).
Black water may be defined as wastewater with fecal contamination. This is generated from water used to flush the toilet.
Grey water is not safe to consume, but it is safe for non-potable purposes, so it can be put to use to water gardens or flush toilets.
Laws of the Land
Various states in the US have started opening up to the idea of grey water treatment and reuse. Examples include:
- Oklahoma- passed the Water for 2060 Act to encourage rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling.
- North Carolina- provides technical assistance for water efficiency best practices including grey water reuse.
- California- has extensive grey water guidelines for treatment and reuse of grey water.
You will need to check with your local authorities to see if a grey water drainage system can legally be implemented in your business or home.
How does the reuse of grey water tilt the water balance in a home?
It’s apparent that one’s needs for flushing and landscaping are easily met with the grey water available. So if state regulations permit grey water reuse, it doesn’t take a second thought for a household to decide to invest in a grey water system. It will pay for itself in the years to come.
What do you think? Would you consider using grey water on your garden? Why or why not?