Atlanta is currently in a Level IV drought. Luckily the citizens of Atlanta are looking for ways that they can make a difference. We can’t water our plants in most areas with tap water so many people are looking to rain barrels, rain-harvesting and grey water. Many of our clients are quite receptive to these techniques and actually are expecting us more and more to offer them as a responsible options for them. I asked one of the local experts (Mark Brown) to elaborate on the difference in the various ways to collect and use water legally and safely.
Guest blogger- Mark Brown Raincatchers
People are always asking me about grey water or they are using the term grey water interchangeably with rainwater. Like most rainwater harvesting people, I cringe each time I hear rainwater referred to as grey water. They are two completely different types of water with very different characteristics. Here are a few points to help clarify:
1. Rainwater is water that is generated from a precipitation event, while grey water is generated from dishwashing, clothes washing, general sink usage, and bathing. Please note that if grey water has high levels of food waste, certain harsh chemicals, or “you know what” (Doodie), it can no longer be classified as grey water and would be considered black water (term to be covered by someone else at a later date).
2. Rainwater is high quality water that is just beneath U.S. drinking water standards only because of the low level of contaminants it picks up in the air and through its conveyance. Grey water has detergents, small food particles, and other pollutants picked up through its usage.
3. Rainwater can be used for any type of water demand depending on the level of filtration or purification. With basic filtration removing the particulates, rainwater is suitable for storage and use for any nonpotable need, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, clothes washing, pool and pond refilling, auto and building washing, cooling towers, and fire suppression. If purified using the proper systems, rainwater can be used for potable needs, such as drinking, cooking, and bathing.
Grey water can be used for subsurface irrigation if used immediately and the local codes allow this, however federal law prohibits the use of grey water for above ground irrigation. With the use of grey water recycling systems grey water can be used for toilet flushing and clothes washing in the home, however It cannot be purified and used for potable water needs. Grey water should not be stored without first being treated, because its contaminates decompose so quickly.
4. Well designed rainwater harvesting systems using the highest quality products require very little maintenance. Grey water recycling systems require constant maintenance and repair.
5. The main benefits of a grey water recycling system are the reduction in the amount of water going into our sewer system and the conservation of our water resources. The benefits of rainwater harvesting systems include the conservation of our water resources, a significant reduction in pollution of our waterways, and the reduction or elimination of storm water runoff.
As you can see these are two very different types of water. Both are beneficial to our environment and will play an important role in how we handle this important natural resource in the future. As water is quickly moving up the list of important issues our country and world must deal with, these systems will continue to improve and ultimately will become a normal part of existence.
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Aug.16,2010
Tags : Atlanta, conservation, drought, fresh world, Georgia, The Hoots Group, water
