Graywater recycling

In arid regions, issues surrounding responsible water use and conservation receive a great deal of public attention. But whether we live in an arid region or not, responsible water use and reuse are issues that none of us can afford to ignore, as we all have a stake in the future of a sustainable water supply. Water conservation is something that can be done on a large scale by entire communities. Examples of this are the use of treated wastewater to water parks and golf courses, and, in some places, to recharge aquifers. But what can individuals do to contribute to the conservation of their community’s water supply? Today we have many choices. There are low flow water fixtures that can be fitted into homes. People can also change the way they use water, by taking shorter showers, not letting faucets run unnecessarily, and choosing landscaping that does not require large amounts of water. All these are effective measures to save water. But they are not the only ones. Today one of the water conservation options that is available to the average homeowner is graywater recycling. Graywater is the wastewater produced by the sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machine, and dishwasher of a home. It contains no toilet or garbage disposal wastes. It should not be confused with blackwater, which contains these wastes. Graywater can be collected in a home and reused for various purposes. Research has shown that graywater contains high levels of both total and fecal coliform bacteria. But simply providing this information to the average homeowner is unlikely to be helpful. They also must have some background to understand its implications. Total and fecal conforms are types of bacteria that share certain physical characteristics. The fecal coliforms are actually a subgroup of the total coliforms. Total coliforms are common, found everywhere in the natural environment. Fecal conforms are so called because they live in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals and are shed in their feces. One of the best options for graywater reuse may be in apartment complexes and controlled environments where someone is overseeing the irrigation of landscaping and can ensure that the water is used safely and properly. But while the laws governing graywater reuse vary from place to place, conservation-minded homeowners still can and are reusing this type of water around their homes. Education about responsible uses of graywater is the best tool we have to protect both their health and the future of our water supply.