What Is Grey Water Recycling?

Grey water is water that has already been used (for example, wastewater from showers and sinks) but that has not encountered human waste (black water). Grey water constitutes approximately 50-80% of a household’s wastewater.

Grey water systems collect wastewater and clean it out. Once the water has passed through the system and has been filtered, it can be re-purposed for non-consumption purposes. For example, hotels can reuse water collected from laundry or showers to irrigate gardens and toilet flushing.

These systems are best suited for businesses with high levels of water use. Hotels, commercial offices, leisure centres and large residential blocks particularly benefit from water recycling to help meet their demand for water.

Reducing your building’s water usage can ultimately reduce the cost of your water bills, saving you money. 

How Do These Systems Work?

Mechanical filters process grey water to be used to flush toilets. Grey water systems direct water away from grey water sources such as sinks, showers and washing machines. Once the water passes through the system and has been filtered, it pumps the water to where it is needed. The water is then treated in a storage tank before being used for toilets.

Approximately, a third of a household’s water is used for toilet flushing. Grey water technology allows water to be re-used to minimise wastewater. 

1. Reduce Water Usage

First and foremost, grey water systems can greatly reduce a building’s water use. Grey water technology can reduce water usage in business operations by as much as 40-50%.

By helping conserve water, water recycling helps lower your company’s water footprint.

2. Cost-Savings

Taking advantage of grey water technology can generate significant cost savings over time, particularly for companies regularly using large quantities of water.

It has been estimated that initial costs can be covered within five years-time of installation. Furthermore, some businesses that install grey water systems may be eligible for the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme to claim back some of your costs.

3. Reduce Your Environmental Impact

Grey water systems allow businesses to lower their water footprint. This is particularly important considering environmental regulations are continuously tightening and awareness is rapidly increasing. With an increased demand for water efficiency already, the need to lower your environmental impact is only going to continue to gain more prominence in the future.

4. Low Maintenance

Once grey water technology has been installed, this system is relatively low maintenance and often only requires inspection on an annual basis.

Importantly, these systems are not weather dependent but instead rely on how much clean water has been used. As a result, these systems are not affected by the weather meaning they will still operate efficiently in periods of low rainfall. 

1. Most Effective When Installed Early On

2. Large Initial Costs

Initial costs involved in grey water systems can be large, though prices vary dependent on size. Notably, large installation costs are counter-balanced by providing excellent returns on investment. By reducing you water bills, large cost savings are achieved over time.