Recycled wastewater systems use disinfected treated water from showers and baths, laundry, and bathroom sinks for non-potable water uses including irrigation and toilets. Although treating grey water requires an initial capital investment, doing so conserves water and can yield savings in annual water bills. Review the examples below, and consider installing a water recycling system when building a new facility or renovating an existing building.
Unilever, which produces over 400 brands of home, personal care, and food products, performed a water audit of a laundry detergent factory in Georgia in 1995 and then embarked upon a program of increased efficiency efforts, including rainwater collection, wastewater reuse, and educating employees on the economic and environmental importance of water conservation. These improvements save the company over $100,000 a year. Case Study
Solaire Apartments, located in Battery Park in New York City, was built in 2003 and contains 250 units. Water from irrigation, cooling towers, and toilets is collected, treated, and reused again for those purposes. The system reduces the building’s freshwater use by 75%. Case Study
Almost half the world’s population lives without a reliable supply of clean drinking water. In the United States, many sources of freshwater are being depleted faster than they can be recharged by natural processes. Recycling wastewater helps reduce pressure on drinking water resources. And global warming threatens to increase severe drought, making water conservation efforts like wastewater recycling even more important.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Water Reuse website