Water Recycling at Homes

Attaching a hose or three-way valve to the drain pipe of a sink, shower or washing machine is the most common method for collecting greywater. Water drains into this pipe and out to a collection barrel or directly into the garden. If your system uses a three-way valve, you can switch between collecting greywater and allowing it to flow into the sewer or septic tank.

Homeowners should filter greywater before use to remove large particles. This filtering occurs naturally when greywater is used to water trees, bushes and other landscape plants; topsoil acts as a filter before the greywater reaches the roots of the plants. Some greywater systems use mulch basins -- mounds of mulch creating a basin or moat with the plant or plants in the center -- to filter greywater. Simply remove the mulch and replace it as needed. (See References 3.)

When using greywater outdoors, do not to allow the water to pool or collect. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and poses the risk of contact with children and pets. While the chance of illness from contact with greywater is minimal, there is always the risk that it has been contaminated with human or pet feces. Avoid using toxic soaps, shampoos and cleaning supplies with a greywater system. Many of these products contain chemicals such as boron or chlorine bleach that are toxic to plants. (See References 3.)

The most common indoor use of greywater is for flushing toilets. The bucket method is simplest. Use a bucket to catch clear water that would normally be wasted waiting for the shower or bath to heat up. Pour this water into the toilet bowl for flushing. Placing greywater into the toilet tank can damage the flushing mechanism. (See References 4.)