Water Efficiency - Recycling methods

As we become more alert to the use of electricity, gas, water and a number of other things, we try safe wherever we can.

I have worked through the processes to follow the additional notes, quotes and accessories we add to building plans to make it energy efficient.

To name a few, we have been looking at the following:

·         Solar geysers

·         Heat Pumps

·         Roof insulation

And there are lots more, but what about water efficiency?

This is definitely also on its way and up to now I have been looking into some water saving methods.

Greywater

Greywater is wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing. It 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, which contains feces or toxic chemicals). Greywater makes up 50-80% of residential wastewater, and can be easily recycled for domestic and irrigation use. This kind of water recycling saves money and also helps to limit water wastage and over-use in South Africa. Check out the various products that can assist you in recycling greywater in your home and garden.

http://www.sustainable.co.za/gardenresq-grey-water-system-maxi-water-recycling.html
http://www.gardenresq.com/

Rainwater Recycling

The gathering and storing of rainwater is called rainwater harvesting. Traditionally, rainwater harvesting has been practiced in arid (dry) and semi-arid area, and has provided drinking water; domestic water; water for livestock; water for small irrigation and a way to replenish groundwater levels.

More people have begun to install their own greywater recycling systems, as water supplies have become increasingly erratic across the country. Making good use of local water and giving consumers a clean and independent source of fresh water, takes the pressure off national water networks.

Different types of rainwater harvesting for residential purposes are used:

1. 1. Eco Rain Wet System 

Water captured from the roof is channeled into underground pipes that lead to the tanks; this system is designed to hide the tanks in the garden rather than to have next to your house. Wet system allows for bigger amounts of water to be captured.

1. 2. Eco Rain Starter 

This system is designed for houses that have been stabilized and where no excessive excavations can be done. This is also the easiest way of harvesting and the most known amongst us. A tank is placed next to the house harvesting the water from the gutters and captures it straight into the tank. It has a Leaf Beater rain head connected to one down spout with self-cleaning, insect proof screen to prevent leaves and large debris from entering the tank.

1. 3. Eco Rain Underground

This system is designed to collect water from the roof and channels it through underground pipes to an underground tank. Perfect for big spaces and when you want your tanks entirely hidden from the eye. This way you can also store bigger amount of water underground.

http://www.rainharvesting.co.za/item_list.php?cat=6&submit=View&gclid=CJTM4pmn1a4CFcIntAodvgx6dA

These are just some of the methods to safe some water, so next time you design a new building think of how we can safe some more... Every little bit counts.

Just for interest, here are some water facts:

http://www.worldometers.info/water/

• " "Worldwide, agriculture accounts for 70% of all water consumption, compared to 20% for industry and 10% for domestic use. In industrialized nations, however, industries consume more than half of the water available for human use. Belgium, for example, uses 80% of the water available for industry."
• "Freshwater withdrawals have tripled over the last 50 years. Demand for freshwater is increasing by 64 billion cubic meters a year (1 cubic meter = 1,000 liters)"
• "The world’s population is growing by roughly 80 million people each year."
• "Changes in lifestyles and eating habits in recent years are requiring more water consumption per capita."
• "The production of biofuels has also increased sharply in recent years, with significant impact on water demand. Between 1,000 and 4,000 litres of water are needed to produce a single litre of biofuel."
• "Energy demand is also accelerating, with corresponding implications for water demand."
• "Almost 80% of diseases in so called "developing" countries are associated with water, causing some three million early deaths. For example, 5,000 children die every day from diarrhoea, or one every 17 seconds."

Water consumed this year

(billion of liters)

907,835

(up to date: 7 March 2012, 20:10)

What are you doing to help safe OUR FUTURE?