Greywater refers to used water from showers, baths, basins and washing machines. It’s free of faecal contamination but may contain traces of dirt, food, or certain cleaning products. Though it may appear “dirty,” when used correctly, it can be a safe and beneficial source of irrigation.
From a permaculture or homesteader perspective, greywater can be used to grow food or other useful plants.
Everything but the kitchen sink?
Kitchen sink and dishwashing machine water often contain fat & grease that clog up greywater systems and kill the beneficial bacteria that break down the contaminants in the water.
If you want to use your dishwashing water for greywater is necessary to install a fat or grease trap on your dishwasher & sink outlets that separates out the fat, oils and other gunk before discharging into the greywater line.
Grease traps can be installed under the sink or outside for easier access for cleaning – which needs to be done frequently depending on usage.
Benefits of Greywater usage
Using greywater at home allows you to conserve water which can also help you save on your water bills.
Plus, plants often thrive with greywater due to the nutrients it can contain. So, you’re saving water, money, and giving your garden some love.
Uses for greywater
Permaculture principles emphasize working with, rather than against nature, and one of the ways to do this is by effectively using greywater. Here are some permaculture-inspired uses of greywater:
- Garden Irrigation: Greywater can be used to irrigate plants, reducing the need for fresh water. Using a mulch basin or a branched drain system, greywater can be directed to trees or larger shrubs which can handle larger amounts of water. A popular permaculture layout is the banana circle which is a circle of banana trees surrounding a mulch basin around the greywater outlet.
- Constructed Wetlands: Greywater can be used to create constructed wetlands, which are engineered systems that use natural processes to treat wastewater. These wetlands provide a habitat for local wildlife and also help clean the water.
- Aquaponics: In some cases, greywater (after appropriate filtration and treatment) can be used in aquaponics systems, where it provides nutrients for plants, which in turn filter the water for fish.
- Compost Production: Greywater can be used to moisten compost piles, aiding in the composting process and reducing the need for fresh water.
- Toilet Flushing: Greywater can be used to flush toilets, thereby reducing the use of fresh water for this purpose.
- Biological Cleaning: Some permaculture systems use plants, fungi, and microorganisms to naturally clean greywater before it’s used for irrigation or other purposes.
Remember, it’s important to ensure that greywater does not contain harmful chemicals or toxins before using it in these ways, to avoid contaminating your local environment.
Installing a Greywater System
A. Assessment of the Required System
- Home Size: The size of your home can determine the complexity of the greywater system. Larger homes might have more potential sources of greywater, thus requiring a more extensive system.
- Family Size: The number of people in your home affects the amount of greywater generated. More people mean more water that can be reused.
- Garden/Yard Size: The size of your garden will determine how much greywater can be utilized. Larger gardens can accommodate more greywater without oversaturation.
B. Necessary Equipment and Materials
You would typically need a greywater tank, diversion devices, filters, and a pump. Additionally, you may need pipes, fittings, valves, and irrigation equipment.
C. Steps in the Installation Process
- Identify and isolate greywater sources.
- Install a greywater tank and diversion devices.
- Connect the sources to the tank using pipes.
- Install filters to remove solid particles from the water.
- Set up a pump to distribute the greywater.
- Test the system to ensure it’s working correctly.
D. Safety Measures to Consider During Installation
- Always follow local building codes and regulations.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Be mindful of electrical and plumbing lines when installing.
- Ensure the system is set up to avoid contamination of potable water supplies.
Remember, every home is unique, so these are just general guidelines. It’s always best to consult with a professional when planning to install a greywater system.
