Greywater Education

What is Greywater? Your questions answered.

Greywater Systems & How You Can Use Them

Greywater Systems: How They Work

The mechanics and science behind the Aqua2use greywater system is simple. First, the wastewater from your shower, bathtub and washing machine is automatically sent to the greywater system. The filtration unit – an unobtrusive, small black box that is placed outside – collects the greywater and filters through a unique, progressive four-stage system, where lint and other impurities are filtered out. Following filtration, the greywater – with some soap particles intact – leaves the unit and flows to the garden through drip irrigation hoses. The soap in the greywater nourishes the plants and keeps them thriving, even when water restrictions are in place.

Keep in mind that even though the filtered greywater looks clear, it’s not potable and shouldn’t be consumed by animals. In the unlikely event that your Aqua2use greywater system needs a part replacement or repair, you can relax knowing that it’s covered under warranty for 12 months. And when compared to other greywater systems available today, the Aqua2use unit is not only more economical, it’s the most reliable.

Greywater Diversion Device How it Works

Greywater Filtration & Recycling Systems: What is it?

Greywater is the water produced during daily household activities like bathing or washing clothes. An efficient way to maximize greywater disposal is through the use of a greywater recycling system. A greywater system filters the water using a highly effective multi-stage filtration system to remove lint, hair and impurities. Instead of traveling through your septic system, the filtered greywater is diverted to flower beds and gardens, creating an efficient irrigation system. These systems generally consist of a unit that is installed outside your home and is connected to your household appliances as well as your home’s irrigation system. Each time you shower or use your appliances, the unit collects and filters the water, removing impurities without the use of chemicals. The filtered water is then delivered via your irrigation system to wherever you need it, including flowerbeds, gardens and landscaping areas. Instead of inefficient greywater disposal, you benefit from recycling what would otherwise be nothing more than wastewater.

Greywater Recycling: The Simplest Way to Dispose of Greywater

Of course, you can continue with the typical greywater disposal method of simply letting it swirl down the drain. However, greywater recycling offers some important advantages. When you consider that as much as 60 to 70 percent of your household water budget is devoted to outdoor irrigation, an effective greywater system could save you a ton of money on your water bills. You’ll also be assisting in water conservation efforts. If you rely on a septic system as your black and greywater disposal method, you’ll be reducing the burden you place upon it.

Greywater Systems: Are They Right for You?

If you have a garden, then chances are a Aqua2use greywater system is right for you. Consider that just one 10-minute shower uses 25 gallons of water. Homeowners in areas prone to drought restrictions will appreciate reusing those 25 gallons to help their gardens thrive. Don’t worry about maintenance problems. Our greywater systems are simple to maintain, only requiring to clean the filters every four to six months. There are no recurring fees and no added chemicals, either. Simply replace your existing clothes detergent with a low-phosphate brand that is easily found in grocery stores, and you’re ready to irrigate!

Greywater Systems & How They Work for Your Home

Your greywater system will be installed by your local plumber, and there is no need to retrofit your plumbing or install any system underground. The simplest way to get greywater onto the garden is by diverting the water directly from the laundry or bathroom. The greywater system will filter the water and divert it to your garden.

Your greywater appliance just needs to be connected to your washing machine or your shower, and then to your irrigation system. Your garden can stay green all the time. Even during water restrictions!

Greywater System Watering: How much area do you need?

The table below lists the expected volume in gallons per day from each greywater source, and the recommended irrigated area for lawn.

 

No. Bedrooms Laundry Bathroom Total Flow

(gallons per day)

Irrigation area

(sqft)

2 or less 30 50 80 564
3 45 75 120 846
4 60 100 160 1129
5 75 125 200 1411

Greywater Disposal and Recycling Considerations

If you are considering a recycling system as your greywater disposal method, there are a few things to keep in mind. If your soil is overly permeable or not permeable enough, or you do not have an area with enough soil to effectively process the greywater, recycling may not be practical. If you live in a cold climate, you may only be able to make effective use of recycling for irrigation purposes during the summer months. Some areas of the United States have certain restrictions against the use of greywater systems, although water shortages and other factors are leading to the loosening of restrictions in many regions.