RLB_UK_Riders_Digest_2013
RLB_UK_Riders_Digest_2013
RLB_UK_Riders_Digest_2013
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<strong>UK</strong> CONSTRUCTION INFORMATION<br />
Grey Water<br />
What is it?<br />
The term grey water refers<br />
to re-used waste water from<br />
domestic activities such as<br />
dishwashing, bathing and<br />
laundry, it accounts for up to<br />
80% of domestic water usage.<br />
The reused water is ideal for landscaping.<br />
Well-publicised water shortages, pressure from environmental<br />
regulators and the increasing availability of the necessary<br />
technology has raised the profile of water conservation<br />
measures.<br />
As a result of these factors, water demand in buildings can be<br />
reduced by substituting mains water for rainwater or grey water<br />
in certain applications, such as toilet flushing. If the building<br />
mains water supply is metered this may produce cost savings<br />
for the building owner or operator.<br />
How Does It Work?<br />
Reuses waste water (bathing, hand washing and laundry) for<br />
toilet flushing, irrigation and none potable uses<br />
Grey water can be direct-fed from a packaged filtration and<br />
storage unit and pumped to the water outlets. Alternatively<br />
indirect fed, where the grey water is supplied from a<br />
packaged filtration and storage unit and pumped to high level<br />
storage tank to gravity feed the outlets<br />
There are several methods of treating the recovered water<br />
for non potable use which include sand filters, membrane<br />
filters and biological treatment. Passive biological treatment<br />
in the form of reed beds can also be used<br />
<br />
Up to 30% reduction in water consumption (reduces water<br />
bills without changing the user’s behaviour).<br />
Grey water recycling systems are can be used for saving<br />
water in homes as well as workplaces.<br />
Wide range of water filtration techniques available<br />
Limitations<br />
Requires water filtration and treatment before use<br />
Installation and maintenance costs may not justify savings<br />
Pumps, filters and sensors require regular management and<br />
maintenance to prevent heath risks<br />
CO2 saving Low<br />
Grey water must not be stored for more than 24 hours<br />
untreated and for not more than three days after treatment<br />
More suited to new installations than retrofit<br />
Pumps, filters and sensors can present operational problems<br />
Providing sufficient grey water storage capacity may present<br />
a problem<br />
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