PRODUCTS > Grey Water Recycling Systems

We supply various sizes of grey water treatment plants, from direct pump-out “Garden ResQ” units to 3 stage bioreactor systems with ozonation and UV sterilization.

What is grey water?

Grey water is any water from baths, hand basins, showers, kitchen sinks, dishwashers and washing machines. Water from your toilet is called black water, and should go into the Municipal system or a septic tank for further treatment. It is also not advisable to reuse kitchen sink water, as this contains animal fats and requires a dedicated grease trap. Instead of allowing grey water to go down the drain (and the money it cost to buy the water), it can be collected and reused for irrigation, or with storage and further treatment, it can be used for toilet flushing. South Africa’s water sources and water quality are severely stressed at present, and it is estimated that up to 50% of all household potable water is used for garden irrigation. The average bath uses 120 litres, the average shower uses 80 litres, and the average washing machine uses 100 litres per load – it is time to stop wasting this precious potable water and use grey water recycling systems. We offer several systems designed for small to large houses, as well as for commercial use. Click on one of the products listed below for more information.

Advantages of recycling grey water

• Lower potable water usage and wastage
• Lower monthly water bills
• Less water passing through septic tanks and Municipal water treatment systems
• Reuse of normally wasted nutrients (e.g. nitrates, phosphates)
• Better treatment (grey water is purified far better in the upper, most biologically active region of the soil, as opposed to subsoil and Municipal treatment plants)
• Less energy and chemical use (reduced burden on pump and treatment infrastructure)
• Plant growth

FAQ’s for household systems

Can I store grey water? No, the golden rule is grey water should not be stored for long periods of time without additional treatment. Grey water should be used immediately. However, there are various systems that do allow for storage, and these utilise bioreactor treatment systems (with Ozone or UV to sterilize the water if required).
Where are grey water systems installed? They can be installed above or below ground.
Must I add chemicals to the grey water before using it on my garden? No, in smaller systems the water is used directly from the bathrooms and laundry, and at that stage is relatively pollutant and bacteria free. The water is never given a chance to stagnate, thereby reducing the chance of offensive odours and bacteria growth. Larger storage systems use biological bioreactor technology to remove harmful organics and lower the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) without the use of chemical additives.
What types of household irrigation systems can be used? Any “pyramid” style sprinkler head at the end of a movable hose pipe is advisable. These allow for a single, large stream of water. Grey water inevitably contains fine debris and this blocks drip irrigation systems, pop up sprinkler heads and misters. However, larger systems with more sophisticated filtration and treatment can be used with these sprinkler systems.
Can I use harsh chemicals when cleaning the shower or bath? What is used inside will end up in the garden, so use biodegradable products. Try to limit the use of bath salts, bubble bath and bath oils. Use products with lower phosphates.
Is grey water good for my plants? Yes, as long as certain rules are adhered to. Grey water is generally alkaline, and this must be considered when watering acid loving plants. Edible plants and herbs should not be watered with grey water within 2 weeks of harvesting, and should be thoroughly washed before consumption. Use biodegradable products, for example “Enchantrix” cleaning products and “Ecosoft” washing powder. Limit pooling of water in areas to reduce mosquito breeding. In small doses, nitrates and phosphates that occur in grey water are beneficial to plants, but care must be taken not to over water Fynbos, as these do not generally tolerate phosphates well. Contact your local nursery for further advice before installing any system.

There are several systems available, depending on the intended use: