"Everyone understands
that water is essential to
life. But many are only
just now beginning to
grasp how essential it is to
everything in life – food,
energy, transportation,
nature, leisure, identity,
culture, social norms, and
virtually all the products
used on a daily basis."
WORLD BUSINESS COUNCIL FOR
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (WBCSD)
Water Wise
Water Conservation in our Built Environment
By Steven Eggleston
The following is designed to be a gradual, in-depth, hands-on approach to evolving concepts in sustainability. We hope to shed light on some of these key concepts. This article will be one of a three part series addressing water conservation in our built environment.
As our built environments grow, we find that the demand for safe clean water increases, as does the pressure to use this natural commodity more efficiently. A 2003 report by the U.S. General Accounting Office reported that thirty-six states are likely to experience water shortages by 2013. This study promotes the need to investigate more efficient uses of our water supplies and the need to live in balance with our local ecology. The three main types of water conservation in our built environment include Greywater, Blackwater, and Rain/Snow collection.
Rain/Snow collection involves the runoff from roof surfaces of a structure; Blackwater is runoff from toilets, and Greywater is runoff from tubs, showers, dishwashers, washing machines and sinks. Water from sinks may contain bacteria; however if filtered properly can be added to the greywater system. In order to simplify the filtration system it is recommended to use biodegradable soaps for all your washing needs.
Greywater can be used for various applications from watering interior green spaces such as vegetable gardens, fruit trees and aromatic gardens, to watering exterior landscaping. For example, Eco-Architect Michael Reynolds (creator of the earthship designs), of Taos, New Mexico uses greywater to irrigate an internal green space where banana trees produce fruit year round. Various levels of filtration systems can be used in greywater systems; it really depends on your uses. In some cases properly filtered greywater can be reused for your domestic water supply. Check with local governing bodies for restrictions.
In Routt county several homes are using greywater systems. The Eastman residence collects filtered greywater from the shower, tub, washing machine and sinks which then flows to an exposed cistern that waters an interior green space used for domestic plants as well as tomato plants. This water is also reused in the domestic water supply. The overflow then runs from the greenhouse to the septic tank and leach field.
The Eggleston residence collects filtered greywater from the master bathroom sinks, shower and a tub which then flows to a small pool in the greenhouse. A solar pump recirculates the water from the small pool to an upper pool creating a waterfall. A diverter valve off the solar pump allows for the drip irrigation of the greenhouse. The focus of this green space is an aromatic and visual garden of plants indigenous to Hawaii including ginger, hibiscus and pulmaria.
The Lester residence collects water from a shower, tub, washing machine and dishwasher into two vertical holding tanks. The filtered greywater is then used to water vegetables and domestic plants in a greenhouse via sprinkler heads to create an effect similar to falling rain. A diverter valve also allows watering via a drip irrigation system set on a timer. The two vertical holding tanks are set in the mechanical room, allowing for servicing and the adaptation to the filtration system if required in the future. The overflow from the greywater system is filtered and connected to an exterior subsurface concrete cistern that provides water for an enclosed detached greenhouse and exterior watering needs.
It is best to incorporate the design of a greywater system in the initial design phase of your built environment, although a greywater system can be retrofitted into an existing structure with plumbing modifications. The use of greywater can create a synergistic relationship between you and your built environment. The greywater and carbon dioxide we generate nourishes the green space; the green space then creates fresh oxygen which nourishes the occupant, thus creating a synergistic relationship between you and your built environment. 
RESOURCES FOR GREYWATER SYSTEMS
www.greywaterguerrillas.com
prefabricated greywater systems
www.thenaturalhome.com
greywater system and filtration design
www.graywater.net
all about greywater, greywater reuse, treatment,
system design
www.oasisdesign.net
preferred greywater practices, common mistakes,
helpful hints
www.WaterFilterComparisons.net
drinking/shower/whole house filters,
factory direct links & discount
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Winter 2007