GREYWATER SYSTEMS
Greywater is waste water generated around the home, excluding toilet waste water (black water). Water used for sinks, laundry, and showering are common greywater sources. When biodegradable soaps and cleaning products are used, greywater can be collected and reused to flush toilets, provide irrigation, and reduce demand on potable water supplies and lower utility bills. Note that in Minnesota, current building code has significant restrictions on greywater systems.
SMALL-SCALE GREYWATER SYSTEMS
Localized or small-scale greywater systems are those that can be easily installed during bathroom remodels and do not require the infrastructure of whole-house systems and are not regulated by code. For example, water used at a bathroom sink can be collected in a storage tank below the vanity to be filtered & treated before being pumped into the toilet tank to be used for flushing. Tank storage capacity will vary by manufacturer. The Aqus System has a 5 gallon storage tank and uses filters and chlorine tablets to clean waste sink water. Because greywater is not treated to potable water quality standards, it is recommended that greywater supplies in both small-scale and home-scale greywater systems be used within 24hrs.
LARGE-SCALE GREYWATER SYSTEMS
Home-Scaled systems: In a home-scaled greywater system, waste water is collected and stored from all greywater supplies in your home. The first step to installing a greywater system is coordinating with both state codes and city ordinances. Current state code does not address greywater systems, and city ordinances may also restrict the use of greywater systems for health and sanitation concerns. If greywater systems are allowed, design, storage, and supply products are regulated by plumbing codes. Greywater systems require the installation of specific supply and drainage plumbing lines to prevent crossing of water supplies. A storage, filtration, and pump system is also required to distribute the greywater supply in the home. All components of the greywater system should be labeled "Greywater- Do not drink." Because greywater is not treated to potable water quality standards, it is recommended that greywater supplies in both small-scale and home-scale greywater systems be used within 24hrs.
Read this information about Minnesota code requirements, and contact your city and a qualified plumber before investing in home-scaled greywater system.