Grey Water-also known as sullage, is non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as washing dishes, laundry and bathing. (Wikipedia)
Water is one of the great luxuries of the world and millions of people go without it every day. In the developed world we take advantage of this resource because, in many cases, it is easily accessible. However, water shortage is becoming more of a problem and we should do whatever we can to conserve it.
If you’re not keen on having navy showers, another way to conserve water is by recycling it. One simple way to do this is to water your plants with left over water from other processes rather than using fresh water from the tap. For example, if I have a glass of water that has been sitting on my desk for a day collecting dust, rather than tossing it down the sink I pour it into one of the plants. Also, you could use water collected while rinsing dishes, brushing your teeth, or having a shower (just set a bowl in the shower with you to collect water that would otherwise go down the drain). There is plenty of water that needlessly goes down the sink and, ideally, a household should never need to water its plants with water directly from the tap. Another option is a rain barrel, which dramatically reduces water consumption for gardens (both indoor and outdoor). Not only is this a great way to save water, but money also.
I'm an open-minded person who loves to learn, travel, be active, and enjoy life. For a full profile, click 
Loading ...
6 Comments
Those are great ideas. Recently I have been more conscious about energy and environment conservation. So I will take these ideas and implement them into my life.
That’s great advice, but not in all cases. In the Atlanta area, that advice will actually help make things worse.
Atlanta pulls water from the Chattahoochee river, which comes from Lake Lanier (which is in bad shape right now). The amount of water released daily from the lake is based on the needs of Jim Woodruff dam in Florida. They measure the water flow down there, and then release the appropriate amount of water from Lanier.
The water used by people in Atlanta comes from the river, then the sewage is treated and returned to the river. The grey water you “save” can’t make it back to the river, meaning they need to release MORE from Lanier to make up for it.
Now, if you’re going to water your plants either way, then grey is certainly better. However, the best situation is to return all of the water that you possibly can.
Here is a post I wrote about that a while back, with a bit more detail:
http://www.atlantawatershortage.com/20080224/dont-put-a-bucket-in-your-shower/
I see the point you’re trying to make Mickey, but I don’t think it necessarily works in this scenario. We do agree that if the water is going to be used anyway, then grey is better than nothing–that’s the point I was trying to make. In a mathematical sense, even though you’re depriving the river of water by keeping your grey water rather than letting it go down the drain, you’re no worse off since you no longer need to take that water from the tap. So, in the end the water table doesn’t differ at all–so long as you don’t add more plants. In fact, you’re probably better off since the treatment plant doesn’t have to clean the grey water you’re keeping.
It’s quite a coincidence that you wrote about not putting a bucket in the shower around the same time I recommended putting one in. I enjoyed the article and agree that, ideally, it would be best if people didn’t need to water plants at all.
I also wanted to add that regardless of the details, our message is the same. Water shortage is a reality and it is now on our doorstep. Action needs to be taken, and fast.
thanks for the water info. people are so wasteful when it comes to h20
Great post! Hope people read this and take your suggestions to heart. I live in the Lake Lanier area just north of Atlanta and we have been practicing some of these water saving tips since last year. It’s amazing how rare a resource like water is when you don’t have it. It took some getting use to, but after a month or so it becomes habit. It actually feels really good to conserve. I didn’t realize how wasteful we were before then.
Anyway, thanks for the post…good info!
I’m a middle school student and my project is about greywater. What would its effects be on plants? And who did research on this topic before?
Pls contact back if you know the answers! Thank you!
One Trackback
[...] why not let those April showers water your lawn and garden? Conserve water around with house with grey water, from [...]