Google
 

Friday, October 05, 2007

Collect and use grey water.

Georgia is in the midst of an historic drought and almost all outdoor water use has been banned. Given these restrictions, there is new interest in the collection and use of grey water. Grey (or gray) water is the wastewater resulting from washing dishes, doing laundry, bathing, and the like. Grey water comprises 50-80% of residential wastewater. So why let all that water go to waste? Here are a few ways to collect grey water:

* Shower with a bucket to collect grey water.
* Save the water used to boil vegetables, pasta, eggs and the like.
* Keep buckets in the kitchen and bathroom to collect water before it goes down the sink drain.
* Collect the dripping water from your air conditioning unit.
* Install collection equipment to harvest the water.

Clearly grey water is not for drinking (except for potlikker), but there many other great ways to use grey water:

* Water your grass and landscaping.
* Flush your toilet - you certainly don't need potable water for that!
* Hydrate your compost pile.
* Water your house plants.
* Treat your greywater and use it to nourish your garden

Clean potable water is a valuable resource. Use it wisely, whether or not there's a drought.

"The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed." - Steve Bantu Biko

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brac Greywater Recycling Systems

The Brac Greywater Recyling System is available in the Atlanta region from Southern Energy Solutions, Marietta, Georgia, United States. http://www.soenso.com

The Brac Greywater Recycling System takes in greywater (bath/shower/laundry water), filters and treats it, then sends it on demand for toilet flushing. By reusing greywater for toilet flushing, the typical home can save 30% or more on potable water consumption.

The Brac Systems are available in residential-use sizes 250/350/450 liters (66/92/119 gallons US) and commercial-use sizes 4200/5000/6600 liters (1110/1320/1745 gallons US).

Southern Energy Solutions
http://www.soenso.com

Karama said...

Thanks for the tip, Anon!

Karama said...

Using grey water not only helps others it can help you too. My mother-in-law, Akosua Mercy Obiri, is a case in point. She cut her water bill in half by recycling grey water.

Here's just one of her tips: Save the clean cold water that runs until the shower get warm enough to enter. Use this clean water to wash dishes, water plants, etc.

Way to go, Auntie Mercy! You're an inspiration for us all!