Grey Water Recycling
It's Free, But How Safe Is It?                                             
Many of us live in locations that are dry or subject to drought. And now climate change is causing water shortages in areas not previously prone to them.

  

The cost of water is forecast to soar in many parts of the US, Australia, Asia, Africa and southern Europe as demand increases while supply dwindles.

It's estimated that the average person produces 30 gallons (over 110 litres) of "grey water" every day. The good news is there are plenty of sources of grey water (also spelled greywater, gray water or graywater) we can recycle into our gardens.

With careful consideration, we can save 25% - 40% of the water we use by grey water recycling. We do, however, need to be careful with grey water recycling to make sure we don't pose risks to the health of our families, pets and our soil.

  Grey Water - The Good, The Bad And The Ugly              

The broad definition of grey water is water we can use twice - the second time around for our garden. But not all grey water is created equal.

The Good: Grey water discharged from kitchen sinks fitted with a grease trap, dishwashers, bathtubs, showers and the last rinse of household laundry. This grey water is OK for recycling.

The Bad: Grey water discharged from garbage disposals, swimming pools (because of chlorine or bromine content), water contaminated with cleaners, thinners, solvents, drain openers, boron, artificial softeners, water that has been standing more than 24 hours. This grey water is not suitable for recycling because it contains elements harmful to the soil.

The Ugly: Water discharged from washing cutting boards that have just had contact with meat or fish, and water from toilets or washed diapers. This water, more accurately known as "black water", is heavily contaminated with bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella. Never use black water for recycling. It needs to be treated in a waste water facility.
  Where To Harvest Good Grey Water                                 

Grey water recycling can cost you nothing - just a bucket and a bit of effort. If you wish to go further you can choose to spend money on a collection system but it's not usually necessary (do, however, check your local regulations concerning grey water recycling).

Here are four easy sources of grey water for recycling...

  1. Air conditioning: Place a bucket under window mounted air conditioning units to catch water from condensation.

  2. Shower: While you're waiting for the shower water to warm up, collect the cooler water in a bucket.

  3. Laundry: If you can, hook your washing machine's drainage hose through a window to a large outdoor water tank. Use the water within 24 hours if possible, or connect the tank to an automated drip irrigation system.  

  4. Kitchen sink: If you have two sinks, allow the pipe from one sink to discharge into a bucket or watering can. Use this sink (install a grease trap if possible) just for washing hands, rinsing vegetables and rinsing dishes. Or you can loosen the P-trap (the U-shaped pipe under your sink) by twisting it a little to one side and place a bucket underneath to collect the water. Use a rubber band to tie a plastic bag around the remaining pipe of the P-trap and leave it there.
   Where NOT To Use Grey Water Recycling                       

  1. Food crops: Grey water recycling is fine for ornamental trees, flowers and shrubs, but not for your fruit, vegetable or herb garden.

  2. Foliage: Never spray grey water onto foliage - apply it direct to the soil or use it in drip irrigation.

  3. Indoor plants: Avoid using grey water recycling on indoor plants with limited rooting space.

If you now consider your home and garden are suitable for using grey water recycling safely, go ahead and use it but make sure you're complying with your local regulations covering recycled water. Safe grey water recycling saves both water and money, and it's free.