Lewis McDonald

Jennifer Wadsworth wrote:That link to Oasis Burra included above has some great general information. Here's a page that shows some schematics. Tons of resources there.

Here's a page where you can download some greywater handouts.

Thanks

Jennifer Wadsworth wrote:

Lewis McDonald wrote:[The main source of grew water is from the sinks in the toilets and dotted around the classrooms. The aim of the project is to find ways in which to reduce how much water that the school uses and try to reuse the water that we do use at the moment. I know that grey water is the water that comes out of taps etc. but thats about it, I only discovered it today. I was looking into some sort of grey water system but don't really understand how that works. Thanks

Sorry - didn't see this until AFTER posting my other response.

If you're dealing with a bunch of scattered sinks, there may be a cost factor involved. Most greywater systems involve drilling holes through walls. If the sinks are not already located on exterior walls, the cost of rerouting plumbing could get VERY high.

If sinks ARE located on exterior walls - this is a little easier (and much less costly) to deal with.

However, before thinking "greywater reuse" - I would first look at conservation/reduction possibilities. For example - do all the sinks have low flow faucets with aerators? Is all plumbing "tight" (no leaking faucets, etc). Are kids educated about conserving water and the benefits thereof? I know these solutions are not as "sexy" as greywater - but they make a world of difference and raise up the younger generation to be conscious of these things if a good educational program is put into place around the conservation efforts. For younger kids this could be something very simple like a picture of a big water tank "filling" with water saved by being conscious of hand washing time, etc. For older kids - let them be part of the educational component!

We did look at aerators and that is another idea that we're putting forward. With no disrespect to the people at our school I think that a lot of them couldn't care less about how much water that we use. It doesn't have to be as detailed as costs and external walls because we just have to right up a report and make some sort of model (our 3D printer will help with that) we just really need to know the basics like how is it used, where is it used, what is it. Although IF our school decide to go with it and fit it in with the currently ongoing extension then all of this information that you've given me will be a great help.

Robert Ray wrote:Lewis,
Grey water is waste water other than water contaminated by food/human waste that has be disposed of. The treatment of grey water is not as critical as black water but it's disposal still has to be addressed.
Maybe you could share what you know about grey water and from where the grey water is coming from your facility and what you are trying to accomplish.

The main source of grew water is from the sinks in the toilets and dotted around the classrooms. The aim of the project is to find ways in which to reduce how much water that the school uses and try to reuse the water that we do use at the moment. I know that grey water is the water that comes out of taps etc. but thats about it, I only discovered it today. I was looking into some sort of grey water system but don't really understand how that works. Thanks

I've seen a grey water system, what exactly is this?

Jennifer Wadsworth wrote:Lewis - how close are you to Findhorn Ecovillage?? They'd be excellent folks to help you out with this.

Find them online: http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com/index.php
Here's a waste water treatment project that they're doing: http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com/findhornecovillage/biological.php
Here's a link to Biomatrix water - they system they're using: http://www.biomatrixwater.com/

Thanks, we're about 1 hour 40 mins away so I'm not sure if it's possible but I'll definitely look into it.

Jennifer Wadsworth wrote:Hey Lewis - welcome to permies!

Can you help us out on some details?

--where are you (location-wise)?
--what do you want to do with your greywater?

For instance - I posted a video on my "Laundry to Landscape" greywater system here.

I also have a blog on my outdoor shower here and here (part 2).

I'm in the north east of Scotland and the project is for reducing and conserving the amount of water we use so it would be put into place in our school with roughly 750 pupils. Thanks

I am doing a science project that involves saving and conserving water. I came across grey water and it looks like a winner the only problem being that I don't really understand it at all. If someone on here (an expert) could find the time to explain it in depth but so that I can understand it that would be absolutely great.

Thanks