Importance of Grey Water Treatment

Importance of Grey Water Treatment

In our last post, we have discussed grey water and how it can be used. Here extending that topic to further explore the importance of greywater treatment

We all know that the water once used in bathroom sinks, laundry or shower heads is considered as grey water and it contains organic material that is good for plants.

Why do we use grey water:

The use of grey water has gained its importance due to two main factor:

1: Reducing the need of freshwater when the activity does not demand it. As we all know that the fresh water is scarce and is a topic of consideration in the world. The minimal use of the same can help us to put a step together in controlling the situation.

2: Eliminate waste: The grey water if not reused will be passed through drains which when comes in contact with filth, garbage and trash becomes unusable and lead to the wastage of water. Grey water management can help to eliminate this wastage.

How the greywater is treated:

The water is collected in a septic tank which is first treated for further use. Usually, the following steps are carried out in the process:

Removal of solid waste: The first step is to remove the solid waste like hair, food particles, lint etc.

Removal of chemicals: The chemicals of soap, pathogens and other microbes is removed from the water before it is used further.

Uses of grey water:
Grey Water once treated can be used in following ways:

Big garden:

The most common and best use of grey water is to water the big gardens where we need a good quantity of water. This can be done by connecting a diverter directly from the source to the garden. This is best in the case of ornamental plants or trees.

For edible plants: Grey water once treated thoroughly can be used to water the fruit and vegetable plants

Drought regions: In drought prone areas the greywater management served as a boom. The water is used at the maximum to eliminate the wastage and save for the need.

No garden: As already described in the previous post the grey water can be used for flushing or for Hydroponics after treatment, where kitchen vegetables could be grown.

Safety rules:

There are certain rules to be followed for using the greywater safely:

1: Untreated water should not be used on fruit or vegetable plants.

2: The grey water is passed in the garden, should not cross the boundary to reach others premises.

3. It should not be kept untreated for long as the microbes and pathogens will multiply to dangerous levels.

4. If you are using bleach or hard chemicals in the laundry, do not use the grey water.

5. Keep the pipes or drains underground to keep the animals and children coming in contact with it.

6: Do not use grey water if you are suffering from a stomach infection.

7: Keep the pipes and taps of greywater labelled to avoid misuse.