-
The pros and cons of greywater recycling
- Tom Smith
The pros of greywater recycling are consistent with the pros of any water recycling (rainwater, yellow water, black water):
- A growing population — expected 420 million by mid-2050
- A limited water supply
- By 2015, it is estimated 36 states will face serious water shortages
- Demand outpacing supply — cities like Los Angeles have a supply for three million people; however, demand is equivalent to 18 million people
- Climate change — e.g. reduced snow pack, US projected to become more arid
- Water contamination — bacteriological, nutrients, chlorides limiting supply
- Industry expansion — states around great lakes using availability of water to attract industry
- To save money — California uses 15 percent of energy for water/wastewater and the price of water increasing
- Environmental responsibility — it's the right thing to do
- The average American uses about 160 gallons of water each day and 25 percent of the water entering the home is used to flush toilets — an ideal use for treated greywater
- Up to 50 percent of all water is used for irrigation — another ideal use for treated greywater.
The cons for greywater recycling are:
- Dual plumbing is required to accommodate reuse and source separation (graywater/blackwater)
- Must prevent inappropriate substances going down the drain
- Health risks — avoid potential for contact and/or ingestion
- Environmental risks are not easily evaluated — minimize cumulative impacts
Related Content
Sponsored by:
Features
Sponsored by:
News
Blogs
Latest posts by Tom Smith
Tom Smith
Tom Smith is the former director of operations and marketing at Anua. Tom is driving demand for wastewater treatment, water reuse, rainwater harvesting and odor/VOC control solutions. He has a B.A. from Duke University and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business.
User Comments