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Treated Greywater - Why Bother? |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 22 May 2007 |
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The public has displayed considerable interest in greywater systems but the cost and complexity of using treated greywater raises a number of issues.
To install a greywater system in an existing home presents some challenges:
Two separate waste systems need to be installed. As most of our homes are now constructed on a slab this can only be done on new homes
A treated greywater system’s water will need to be stored so it can be used as required. This cost needs to be factored into installing a system.
Consideration as to the impact on the mains sewer system and treatment works, if large numbers of people installed greywater systems, and the volume of waste was significantly reduced
Steve Little from Steve Little Plumbing has already installed several Ozzi Kleen Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems to clients homes who are currently connected to the mains sewer.
Joe and ?? Radford from Aldgate are on mains sewer and wanted to establish a garden but only if it was sustainable. They chose to install an Aerated Wastewater Treatment System that would enable them to water their garden in the drier months and in a normal winter. Once the soil becomes saturated the waste will be switched to the sewer mains during a regular maintenance service call which is required by council and the manufacturer.
One of the benefits of this approach is that the storage tank is part of the waste system and you are using almost every drop of water from your house not just the greywater.
The water is treated to a standard that allows it to be used above ground although precautions must and are taken to prevent the water coming into contact with the vegetables and fruit.
When the Radford’s moved into their home the lemon tree in the garden was in a very distressed state. Some judicious pruning and water from the waste water system has already seen a dramatic improvement in its health.
Special irrigation units and a blanket of mulch ensure no water can come into contact with the leaves or fruit.
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Signs around the garden warn visitors that the water is recycled and the Radford’s with two young children were mindful of the need to teach them not to drink or play with the water.
How does it work?
The principle behind the aerobic process is simple. Keeping the organic matter or waste oxygenated, keeps the bacteria in the waste alive. These bacteria, called Aerobic Bacteria, are very aggressive in feeding on the waste, which is a food source high in energy.
All waste enters the single tank where oxygen is circulated via an aerator. As mentioned above, this air keeps the naturally occurring aerobic bacteria alive which are actively consuming the waste. After the aeration stage, the waste is allowed to settle.
The treated water is then decanted and stored within the tank in the effluent holding compartment. This compartment fills and once full triggers a float switch, automatically prompting irrigation.
A periodical 3 month service is performed by Ozzi Kleen qualified service personnel. At this time a range of performance and water quality tests are performed to ensure safe and efficient operation.
A report of this service is sent to the local council, with a copy also issued to the owner. A maintenance log book is kept to record the history of the system, both for the owner’s and the service person’s reference.
Whilst not a cheap solution those going down this path are not doing it to save money but to use the water they consume as efficiently as possible to reduce their footprint on the planet. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 01 June 2007 )
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