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Dear
EarthTalk: I
know that some large buildings filter some of their wastewater to irrigate
exterior landscaping. Is there an affordable way to do this at home? -- Bill P., Salem, OR
Now
that solar panels are so commonplace on rooftops across the country, reusing
so-called greywater—that is, the waste water from sinks, showers, tubs and
washing machines—for landscape irrigation may be the next frontier in the
greening of the American home, especially if you live in an arid region where
water use is restricted. In fact, reusing your graywater may be the only way to
keep your lawn and garden healthy without taking more than your fair share of
the community’s precious freshwater reserves.
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| Credit: Jeremy Levine, courtesy Flickr |
"Using
water from sinks, showers and washing machines to irrigate plants is a way to
increase the productivity of sustainable backyard ecosystems that produce food,
clean water and shelter wildlife,” reports Greywater Action, a California-based
non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering people to use water sustainably.
According to the group, a typical U.S. single family home can reduce water use
by as much as 30 percent by installing some kind of greywater reclamation
system while simultaneously reducing pollution into nearby water bodies by
filtering out contaminants locally. Capturing and reusing greywater can also be
part of the battle against climate change, given that you’ll be helping grow
plants that sequester atmospheric carbon dioxide while reducing demand on a
regional wastewater treatment facility that’s likely powered by fossil fuels.
The
simplest way to get into home greywater reuse is to install a “laundry-to-landscape”
system that sends washing machine wastewater outside via a diversion tank and
hose that can be moved around to irrigate specific sections of the yard. Equipment
costs for such a set-up max out at $200, but labor and expertise may tack on
another few hundred dollars. Handy homeowners can do much of the work in
setting up such systems themselves, though those without much home repair or
plumbing experience might at least consult a professional. Greywater Action
suggests one way to reduce costs is by digging trenches for diversion pipes and
mulch basins yourself -- or enlist friends who want to support the effort and
learn about residential greywater reuse in the process.
A
more comprehensive system can draw wastewater from sinks, showers and tubs,
too—and then filter and distribute it to backyard landscaping via a drip
irrigation network. Getting such a system professionally installed can run
upwards of $5,000.
Either
way, once the greywater diversion system is in place, you’ll need to be careful
about what goes down the drain, given how it might affect the plants and soils
right outside. “In any greywater system, it is essential to put nothing toxic
down the drain — no bleach, no dye, no bath salts, no cleanser, no shampoo with
unpronounceable ingredients, and no products containing boron, which is toxic
to plants,” adds Greywater Action.
For
more information on installing a greywater reuse system yourself, check out the
resources section of Greywater Action’s website, where you’ll find diagrams,
written instructions and even videos to make the job go smoother. Those more
inclined to hire a professional can browse through listings of qualified
installers across the country. And if you want to see how it’s done first-hand,
sign up to attend one of Greywater Action’s one-day workshops on how to install
a greywater catchment and diversion system in a residential setting.
CONTACT:
Greywater Action, www.greywateraction.org.
