Greywater, blackwater, or dark greywater what are they and how can they help with water conservation?

The subject of recycling greywater is interesting and definitely deserves some attention.

In Cambria, California we are extremely water conscience and rightly fully so. Recycling water is important in California. California is in its third year of drought. However, in Cambria we are especially water minded because we are isolated from the main water resources in California. Our little town has its own water system which in not meeting the demand which means we must conserve our water.

In attempts to save water we cut off the water when we brush our teeth or shave. We don't allow the water to run with no reason Water is expensive and we don't want to waste a drop.

While waiting for the hot water to reach the kitchen we put a bucket under the spout in order to catch water while we wait. We water plants and the dogs with the extra water. We just don't waste water. We also wash our cars with no water or very little water. In Cambria the water shortage is serious. Captured water is not greywater but it would be if we didn't catch it before it went into sewage.

Greywater

Greywater is non-industrial waste water generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing. Greywater comprises 50-80% of residential waste water. Greywater comprises waste water generated from all of the house's sanitation equipment except for the septic tank (water from toilet is blackwater, or sewage). Greywater is distinct from blackwater in the amount and composition of its chemical and biological contaminants (from feces or toxic chemicals). Greywater gets its name from its cloudy appearance and from its status as being neither fresh (white water from groundwater or potable water), nor heavily polluted (blackwater). According to this definition, waste water containing significant food residues or high concentrations of toxic chemicals from household cleaners, etc., may be considered "dark grey" or dirty water. Recycling Greywater

Greywater - A Viable Solution

Greywater is usable water which can be effectively treated for reuse. Using greywater is not new it has been used for years in areas where water is in short supply. However greywater must be used with caution and certainly needs treatment before being used to irrigate. for an excellent source of information on greywater follow this link.

Greywater, even though it use in still up for debate, is one viable method for recycling watering and helping conserve our fresh water supply. Follow this link for more information on Greywater systems and their use in our world.

A great number of laws exist in regards to greywater, especially in the state of California. It is my understanding many who use greywater systems do not apply for or receive permits for their systems. My suggestion is go through the proper channels.

Greywater will help in conserving fresh water, however greywater is contaminated water and needs special attention before using for irrigation.

Recycling water is accomplished in many ways. As mentioned we catch water we don't use before it goes into the sewage system and water plants with this precious resource.

Save every drop of water you can because the water shortage is a major problem through out the world.

For more information follow this link. Greywater

Recycling and Conserving water in Cambria, CA

WATER IS PRECIOUS

The sign above hangs on the Veterans building in the west village in Cambria, California. In this section of California we do everything we can in order conserve water.

Think for a moment what it would be like without water. Have you ever been so thirsty that nothing else but a cool, fresh clean drink of water would satisfy.

If the world doesn't get serious about water conservation and start developing more ways to produce fresh drinking water we might run out. Oh no that will never happen we will always have enough water. Are you old enough to remember when water didn't come in a bottle. Today the water industry is one of the fastest growing business in the world. Water cost more than a coke in some places. So, let's start now working towards conserving and recycling water to use in our gardens.

Gabriel uses Recycled Water!

Gabriel Espinoza from Cambria, Ca uses greywater to water his plants. He has the big tank in the back of his truck and fills it up at local recycling center. The water recycling center takes rain water, treats it and then makes it available to the locals.

This is one more way to save use recycled water in order to conserve our fresh water supply.

Rain Catcher

The picture of a rain catcher is a common sight in the neighborhood. Many people in Cambria have rain catchers. It only rains a few months out of the year but they are still one more way to recycle water.

A good project for your kids would be to make a rain catcher out of an old bucket or pot. Teach them now how to conserve and recycle water.

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