Guideline Notes on Environmentally Friendly Facilities

Why use Grey Water?

Advantages and Disadvantages

Constructed Wetlands

Planning Grey Water re-use

Grey Water re-use may be especially beneficial for residential schools.

Grey Water Re-Use

What is grey water?

Any water that has been used in the home, except water from toilets, is called grey water (also spelled graywater).

KitchenKitchen grey water contains food residues, high percentages of oil and fat, and dishwashing detergents. It is usually high in nutrients and suspended solids., BathroomBathroom grey water is regarded as the least contaminated grey water source within a household. It contains soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc. It also contains shaving waste, skin, hair, body-fats, lint, and traces of urine and faeces. Thus it may be contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms., and LaundryLaundry grey water contains high concentrations of chemicals from soap powders as well as bleaches, suspended solids and non-biodegradable fibres from clothing. Laundry grey water can contain high amounts of pathogens when nappies are washed., water comprise 50-80% of residential "waste" water. This may be re-used for other purposes, especially landscape irrigation.