Sally ClaggettUSFS Northeastern Area

Sustainable Ops

GRAYMATTER

Gray water is washwater. That is, laundry, kitchen, shower/bath tub. (Not

wastes from food garbage grinders and people.)

There are significant distinctions between gray water and toilet wastewater (called “blackwater”). These distinctions tell us how these wastewaters should be treated /managed and why.

Gray water can be reused for diverse purposes. With the proper equipment, as well as filtering, the water remains usable once again.

While using gray water, water is recycled.The water bill gets reduced and a

community’s requirement for expensive giant waste treatment plants is decreased considerably.

Recycle Gray Water / Cutting Costs

*Plant specialists warn that gray water should not be used on vegetables, seedlings, container plants or acid-loving plants such as azaleas, begonias, and rhododendrons.

Grey water should be rotated with fresh water to leach out any harmful build-up.

Chlorine bleach may damage plants, especially if it touches the foliage.

Biodegradable soaps appear to have the least harmful effects

Cautions for Gray Systems

There are quite a few estimates that reveal recycling grey water can reduce one’s water bill by 60% or more.Companies

The following companies offer greywater systems, components, kits, and plans:

Sourceshttp://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/Local/Denver

http://www.denverwater.org/WaterQuality/RecycledWater/FAQs/Australia http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/reuse/reuse.aspFor more information on recycling grey water near you just input the phrase, recycling grey water in ‘your area’ in your search engine search bar. Or go to earth911.com.

Launched in May 2012, the Campus RainWorks Challenge is a student competition designed to inspire the next generation of

landscape architects, planners, and engineers to develop innovative green infrastructure systems that mitigate the impacts of urban

stormwater while supporting sustainable communities.

Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage stormwater and create healthier urban environments. While single-purpose “gray” stormwater infrastructure (e.g. catch basins,

pipes, and ponds) is largely designed to move urban stormwater away from the built environment, green infrastructure uses

vegetation and soil to manage rainwater where it falls. By weaving natural processes into the built environment, green infrastructure can provide not only stormwater management, but also heat island

mitigation, air quality management, community amenities, and much more.

Water-related impacts here and now (and tomorrow) range from drought-ravaged crops, early snow melt, storm water runoff and sea level rise to saltwater intrusion, ocean acidification, temperature-induced fish kills, and wicked winds and storms. These changes are happening; science researchers and policy makers need to pay attention and respond.

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=5Ug1hravb9Q&feature=plcp

DC Water

Rainwater Harvesting is increasingly being incorporated into commercial and public buildings. With possible savings of 60 – 80% on water bills, rainwater harvesting gives considerable savings and short pay-back periods, along with helping local flood prevention, by reducing the water entering the drainage system during a  storm situation.

  Any commercial or public building can benefit from rainwater harvesting,

from large distribution facilities to schools, farms and offices.   For a building with a large roof area and a high demand for water which is

used for a non potable purpose (toilet flushing, vehicle washing etc) using harvested rainwater makes excellent environmental and financial sense, with very short pay-back periods.  Through the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme businesses can write off 100% of the cost of qualifying plant and machinery against taxable profits in the year of purchase. Qualifying plant and machinery must be included in the Water Technology List. All systems installed by EWF Rainwater Harvesting are included on the WTL.

For more information on ECA go to: Enhanced Capital Allowance

Water Use in Office Buildings

LandscapingCooling and heating

Domestic and re-stroom

Kitchen and other