Only two percent of the world’s water is fresh. As in, consumable.

When that runs out, we are going to be in serious trouble – and, if the recent droughts in South Africa are anything to go by, we are heading there pretty quickly.

Thank goodness, then, that there are people out there who care enough about the future of our planet and make it their life’s mission to address environmental issues. It’s people like these that tell us just how we can save water, one raindrop at a time.

While one can save water by reducing use recycling what you have, or collecting whatever is available, it’s important to do it right.

Local gurus Sustainbable.co.za have an extensive variety of items available to help you with this, from water conscious showerheads to massive rain tanks and even various grey water systems.

If the latter is where your interest is turning to next, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to using grey water systems:

DON’T:

• Store untreated grey water for any length of time. It’s the perfect environment for pathogenic bacteria to thrive and can turn anaerobic pretty quickly.
• Wait to use it after 24 hours. It’s best to use grey water immediately or within a matter of hours.
• Worry about your soil – it is best to empty grey water into the subsoil as the micro-organisms in healthy soil are some of the best filters and purifiers of grey water you can find.
• Spray grey water as this may introduce pathogens into the air, which could be inhaled, or contaminate fruit / veg if going to be eaten raw. Either release it under mulch layers or dripper systems.
• Use water from the kitchen sink or dishwasher. Food pieces are a no -no.
• Use laundry water – especially if it has been used to wash nappies or other clothing soiled by faeces and/or urine.
• Allow grey water to flow into watercourses, swimming pools or dams.

DO:

• Keep it simple – use a bucket if you don’t have space for a whole system.
• Keep showers short and sweet. An average shower rose can release as much as 20litres per minute.
• Attach a valve and T-piece to your pipework outside. From this you can attach a hose which you can place wherever in the garden needs water.

So why use grey water?

• You will lower your use of sweet water (#obviously)
• Less strain on municipal treatment plants.
• Recharging ground water systems that are nailed through borehole and well point use
• Increased awareness of what cleaning products are used
• Effectively using nutrients that would otherwise get wasted down the drain

If that’s all too much for you, watch the video below for some really good info on water consumption and grey water do’s and don’ts:

Remember, Sustainable.co.za is your one-stop online shop for everything you need to create a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

[source:survivopedia&waterwise]