Gray water reclamation offers affordable energy efficient solution

In the United States, the average American family of four generates approximately 265 liters of gray water per day, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By comparison, a similar sized family in Africa generates and average of 19 liters today.

Water from the bath, sinks, washing machine, and dishwasher are common sources of gray water. In fact, between 50 percent and 80 percent of all residential wastewater generated from a home’s sanitations system (excluding the toilet) is gray water.

However, some states in the United States are recognizing the value of this water and are passing laws to make it easier for homes to use gray water for certain functions.

In March, 2010, the State of California enacted changes to its plumbing codes that enable residents to install simple gray water systems without a permit for irrigation purposes. The U.S. Green Building Council states several benefits of gray water reclamation, including the reduction in energy use, reduced consumption of fresh water, and less strain on septic systems.

Source: Leonardo ENERGY