Posts Tagged ‘gray water’
Like many parts of the country, gray water recycling in South Carolina has been relatively slow to enter the mainstream. That’s because changing the way people have always done things isn’t easy. But guess what? Most worthwhile endeavors never are. It’s time for us to rethink the way we relate to water and reevaluate our comfort zones.
In order to know where we are going, we must first know where we have been. As we have talked with various officials from across the state, we have come to them with a single question: how have we sandlappers gone about installing gray water systems in the past?
Again and again, we have heard the same answer: when it comes to recycling gray water, people have traditionally built custom systems that are approved on a case-by-case basis. But that approach is changing.
Earlier this week I had the privilege of sitting down with three officials from South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and one representative from Upstate Forever, a local non-profit that promotes sustainable growth.
In attendance were Jim Brooks, Jim Gilliam and Roger Owens of the Greenville County DHEC office. Chris Starker, the Land Conservation Manager at Upstate Forever, was also on-hand to offer a local advocate’s perspective and to learn more about the Brac System.
The meeting was enlightening to say the least. We discussed South Carolina’s current gray water recycling regulations (or lack thereof) and had a frank discussion about the challenges our state faces when it comes to water conservation. We also talked about the benefits of action versus the consequences of inaction.
After the meeting, I started thinking about South Carolina’s role in the greater gray water discussion, and I decided to organize my thoughts the best way I know how: by writing a blog or two. Or three.
Starting next week, I will be expanding this post into a three-part series called “Gray Water Recycling in South Carolina: The Past, Present and Future.” So pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and be sure to add your two cents in the comments section.
Last week the California Building Standards Commission voted to allow homeowners to install their own gray water systems. The law was passed in response to almost four years of drought, and throughout it all, California homeowners and water districts have lobbied for creative ways to recycle gray water.
That’s not all they’ve done. More than 1.7 million gray water systems have already been installed in the state illegally. No wonder one of the largest gray water groups in California is aptly named The Greywater Guerrillas.
Although the legislation is only state-wide, the new law is a step forward for everyone who is passionate about conserving water. In fact, the victory prompted long-time gray water activist Art Ludwig to declare: “Tuesday, August 4, 2009, is California greywater liberation day.”
Somebody break out the fireworks.
As we talk with architects, engineers and developers about gray water recycling, one question comes up again and again: how long does it take for these systems to pay for themselves? When that happens, we give our standard answer: there is no standard answer.
Since payback periods vary depending on freshwater expenses, wastewater treatment fees, usage and other factors, it’s difficult for us to give an accurate, catch-all answer regarding payback periods. However, the following case study is a good example of a return on investment for one commercial gray water system.
As we speak with people about gray water recycling, we often come across the same misconceptions. It’s not that people have never heard of gray water systems—it’s just that they sometimes confuse the facts. So, for better or worse, I’m here to help set the record straight.
1.) Gray water recycling is only done in places like California and Arizona. This is simply not true. I had an inspector tell me this once, and when I explained that our systems were installed all over the country, he looked at me in disbelief. Going one step further, Brac Systems now appear in Europe, South America, the Middle East, Asia and beyond.
2.) Gray water systems are designed only for environmentalists. People often think that gray water recycling is perfect for so-called tree-huggers but that it doesn’t make sense for the average homeowner. I disagree. What doesn’t make sense is the way we’ve always done things. If we can save water by rerouting gray water back to our toilets, why aren’t we doing it?
3.) The maintenance of a gray water system is comparable to a swimming pool. My family had a pool growing up, so I understand what’s involved in keeping a pool running smoothly. You have to vacuum. Add chemicals. Test pH levels. Cover and uncover. The maintenance of a gray water system doesn’t even come close. If you’re still skeptical, check out this video.
4.) Water recycling uses black water to flush black water. Black water contains fecal matter and urine. In short, it’s sewage. With gray water recycling, black water is still sent to the sewer, where it belongs. Another common misconception is that gray water recycling cleans the water that goes down your shower drain and then sends it back to your freshwater line. Not so.
5.) Retrofitting a gray water system isn’t practical. It’s true that retrofitting a gray water system might not make sense for many homeowners, but that doesn’t mean that gray water recycling can’t be applied to other settings, especially commercial applications. If you are the owner of a large-scale building where showers and toilets are being used constantly, retrofitting a gray water system might be more practical (and more cost-effective) than you think.
