With water shortages worldwide because of increased industrialization and Global Warming, we are all looking into water-saving alternatives. For this reason, governments and other stakeholders are working on innovative ways of preserving water resources. Grey Water Harvesting has become a reality for Capetonians as we struggle to avoid DAY ZERO. Never in known history has the drought-ravaged Western Cape been this close to day zero.
Recycling water has developed in many aspects, including greywater production. The South African government recommends greywater as one means of creating massive home water savings. This innovation, a natural partner, has come when it is in dire need.
In Cape Town, water is an issue with the growing population and limited water resources.
Therefore, one of the most effective ways of water management is to adopt greywater harvesting. This is the better option because it saves the planet’s most valuable resource, water.
Everyone is now conscious of every drop of water that is lost. Global warming has made massive changes in weather patterns, affecting rain and heat.
What is Black Water?
We generate Blackwater from toilets, dishwashers, etc. Due to the high level of contamination, recycling it is very difficult. Importantly, we must not water flowers and veggies with Blackwater.
What is Grey Water?
Grey Water Harvesting is any domestic water viewed as waste in one aspect while it is most beneficial. Greywater is water from the bath, shower or basin. Water is used for home purposes like showers, washing machines, and tubs. In general, bathwater or shower water is ideal for use as greywater. Also, water from the washing machine is an excellent source of Greywater. In general, bathwater or shower water is perfect for use as greywater. Also, water from the washing machine is an excellent source of Greywater. We can recycle 50% of household water.
Most people have woken up to the advantages Grey Water Harvesting brings along. Sewage is generally termed Blackwater and has an organic residue at a higher capacity. Kitchen water is black water containing some organic loading.
Greywater Recycling For The Garden
Although we view Greywater as dirty water, it is safe when seen from an irrigation angle.
When Grey Water is left to stream into rivers, lakes, or estuaries as effluent, it becomes a pollutant. The constituents in the water can make the water hazardous. On the other hand, when diverted to plants, these constituents become useful organic fertilizers.
The most accessible means to use Greywater involves piping it directly outside and watering the intended plants and fruit trees. We can use Greywater canto water vegetables.
A greywater system requires using “plant-friendly” products devoid of excessive salts and chemicals like boron and chlorine. The buildup of these chemicals (salts and boron) in the soil may harm plants.
The presence of fat content in the kitchen water is a further damaging factor to plants.
It taps already-used water into a more useful form. Unlike water harvested from other sources, like rainwater, Greywater is obtained from sources that have already used the water.
These sources might include water from sinks, bathwater, ponds, pool backwash or even rinse water. In some cases, it is harvested to be used for toilet flushing. When the water is purified, its use can be upgraded for the irrigation field and other applications.
Grey Water Harvesting is a relatively new practice in institutional buildings. This practice calls for many regulatory implications instead of rainwater harvesting. Grey Water contains chemical and biological contaminants, unlike other renewable water sources. These contaminants may contaminate the water into black water, leading to an awful smell and a health hazard if maltreated.
Types Of Water Tanks For Greywater Harvesting
There are many types of Greywater Harvesting water tanks. Please note that they are not all the same. If you want years of service, you may choose RotoTank. They have a fantastic guarantee and make a good product.
Advantages Associated With Grey Water Harvesting
There are many benefits associated with the use of Greywater. Embracing the greywater system attracts the following pros.
It is Economical:
If your household has a water meter, reducing water usage will reduce the bill. The good news is that a greywater system’s purchase and installation costs are nearly nil, and it does not require a huge initial investment.
After the purchase and installation of the system, you are bound to have other benefits flowing in. Although it depends on how much water you use or the frequency of use, water usage is considerably reduced when the Grey Water system is imposed.
Once your water tanks are complete, the garden or lawn can be sprayed with free water.
Natural resource protection
There is significant population growth worldwide, not without the southern African part. The ever-rising population and industrial growth rates also strain our water resources. Therefore, everyone has a role to play in avoiding the epidemic.
Each of us can cultivate a sustainable relationship with our environment. This can only be possible if we economize on water use. Grey Water usage is a brilliant way to ensure that the generation won’t lament the water issue.
Reduce sewage
Not only does grey water reduce the demand for water supply, but it also causes septic wastage. Reusing the water leaves less inflow into sewage as septic flow. You cut the load in the septic wastewater. The reduction translates to the septic system handling less of the effluent.
There are minimal chances of servicing the sewage. Therefore, the system will be able to handle less waste and extend shelf life. Additionally, you will be charged fewer coins as you reduce the sewage amounts. Therefore, by lowering the disposable water flow, you will have more savings in your pocket.
Grey Water Harvesting Solves soil problems.
Any garden requires the appropriate amounts of sunlight, soil, and adequate water to bear fruits successfully. According to soil science, different plants thrive in different environments.
A garden must grow in its most natural setting to produce its best. As plants require these conditions during their growth, dry soils crave more water.
An alternative to sprinkler systems is the Grey Water Harvesting system. Since it has a sieving system, household water flows through the pipes into the gardens to wet the thirsty soil. Water offers a variety of benefits to the plant, from the plant’s health to water conservation.
Little usage of water
The undeniable benefit of greywater is its economical use. An average household uses between 300 and 400 litres of recyclable water daily. Also, an average suburban garden uses about 35% of domestic water daily from Greywater. The level can rise to 60% if one does the recycling. Grey Water saves water usage in an era when water resources are scarce.
Enhances More Savings With Grey Water Harvesting
The savings generated when the use of Greywater is imposed get higher. Finances for pure sourcing water for irrigation are lessened in the overall process.
Reusing Greywater keeps it out of the septic system, reducing the chances of polluting water bodies. The finances that could have been used to treat the polluted water are also saved.
Reusing Grey Water for irrigation reconnects urban inhabitants and garden fields to the natural water cycle. It results in a dramatic drop in the demand for freshwater, which in turn contributes to savings.
Nutritional Benefits to Plants
The soap residues can provide sulfates and nitrates, components of garden fertilizers. Researchers say these compounds are more beneficial to the garden than tap water. We can use Greywater in vegetable gardens.
However, using the water two weeks before harvesting is not recommended. It is satisfying to realize that plants are fed with nutrients that eventually benefit humans. These nutrients become crucial when more food is needed in a drought. Greywater aids vegetation to flourish when freshwater may not be available.
Process of Grey Water Harvesting
Harvesting grey water is a simple process that is broken down into stages. It entails both biological and chemical processes. The process has several systems that are synchronized into one operation. The following methods comply with each other to bring the overall result.
Filtration
Water from showers and sinks is collected via a plumbing system. The piping system is separate from the one that connects the toilets. The collected water is then diverted to a collecting tank. Some large particles are eliminated through filtration.
Chlorine and other oxidizing agents are added to the tank’s water, which is geared toward lessening the level of bacteria in the water.
After a given period, Greywater is diverted through a pumping system to a filtration skid. Larger particulates are eliminated here. If commercial systems are to be used, a self-cleaning disk filter serves the purpose.
The preceding stage uses a multimedia filter to remove smaller particles. The system is adjusted with filters that minimize maintenance, which is done through an automatic backwash step.
All the debris gets instant flushing, ending up in a sewer system. The backwash also rearranges the multi-levels of filtration media.
The last step is the “polishing” stage. The activated charcoal makes the water clear and free of any impeding odour. The treated Grey Water is now ready for reuse.
Sanitation
To keep off organisms like bacteria, algae, viruses, and other contaminants, the tank’s water must be sterilized. This is made possible through chlorination and the use of the UV sanitation method. However, contaminants may remain in the water despite the abovementioned process.
Therefore, chlorination is done to keep the entire system clean. The addition of chlorine chemicals is the most effective method to achieve this.
Ultraviolet sanitation exposes the water to a given wavelength of UV light, which obliterates the organism’s DNA. An expert is needed to maintain specific and sufficient radiation. Some Grey Water Harvesting systems use UV sterilizers to achieve this purpose.
It is an advantageous method that uses zero chemicals to render the organisms sterile. It is also less expensive than other methods.
Storage
Great water storage is necessary, especially when the demand for water is high. Space availability also determines the volume of Grey Water treated and turnover frequency.
The tanks must be pre-mounted on a higher level, slightly above the ground level. Storage enhances the efficient supply of water throughout the garden for irrigation.
Enough storage is necessary for the dry spell, especially when rains become irregular. The storage will be helpful, especially when facing a severe drought. Many tanks are on the market from JOJO tanks and a few other suppliers. Our advice is to look around for competitive pricing on the water tanks.
Application of Greywater
A depressurization system is required for a greywater system to move, which moves the Greywater to the restrooms and other areas within the building. Low-cost pumps are also available to move the water from the tanks to the required areas in the home or garden.
A commercial system uses duplex pump skids. The system has two commercial-grade pump twins that operate in tandem. Each pump is designed to work at 70% of peak demand.
In the event of high demand, the system works alternately. When the market does not want, the two identical pumps alternate in operation.
Future of Greywater
Nothing is more beneficial among all living things than freshwater. Unfortunately, it is becoming a limited resource. It is estimated that global fresh, natural water is subject to lower Research conducted by Scientific American Magazine. The ever-growing population in an equal climate change will create more water scarcity.
The developing countries are not exempt from the estimated far-reaching scarcities. The rapid growth of the population will demand more food, which is highly dependent on water. Humans need water more. To offset the shortage of food supply, there will be a need for the rapid growth of the water-intensive agricultural system.
These systems will call for more water to continue supporting the sector. Therefore, Greywater will be a need that will require constant supply in the future.
The takeaway
Grey Water Harvesting has become popular. It is a remedy for the economic system and natural environment conservation.
The technological means of installing the system are not complex either. A rapidly growing city like Cape Town is critical for sorting out water issues and drought endemics. The future of Greywater can be viewed from a broader funnel.
It is a means that will eliminate some problems associated with the food shortage and the natural ecosystem.
With water being a scarce resource globally, Grey Water Harvesting is an excellent way to use water economically. It is perfect for anyone looking forward to moderating their footprint. This system will help the earth, your household, and your wallet concurrently. Never use grey water for potable purposes like cooking or drinking unless thoroughly purified.