Alternative water

[hc4361]

A question about water meters has me thinking. All water that comes out of the cold water tap is classified as drinking water, but is used for everything such as washing the car and flushing the loo.

Would it be feasible to have a secondary water supply that uses water not fit for drinking? I'm thinking it could be connected to the loo and also have a tap for power washers, hose pipes and other basic uses. Do we need to shower in drinking water?

Perhaps the drinking water could be metered, and the other at nil or very cheap rate.

I have wondered why there is no sink in the top of my toilet cistern so water used for hand washing can go straight in to the cistern to flush the loo.

[boxtops]

what a sensible idea, hc - but in some places, this does already happen. In public loos, there are notices over the basins saying "not drinking water" so that must be recirculated in some way?


You could of course just leave the lid off the cistern, and dip your hand in...

[Buenchico]

Google 'grey water recycling' to learn about what's already available. There are companies selling systems for domestic use but the really big savings are within offices and factories.

[237SJ]

Some car washes use recycled water. I`m sure it might be feasable if you can find a way to use your own recycled water but it would surely cost a fortune for the water companies to supply such a thing. They might have to invest in a whole new pipe system.

[hc4361]

boxtops, you made me laugh, anyway :)

I will investigate alternative methods. Wallace and Gromit - look out!

[Old_Geezer]

If you are using your own household waste water for other purposes, well you can already install systems to do that. But a secondary mains system ? Whilst it may be feasible but doesn't sound financially viable. All the cost double just to pump around grey water ? Not really worth it.

[HowardKennitby]

When I was in Gibraltar, many years ago, the toilets in our complex were flushed with sea water. Who knows where it all went!

[Andyvon]

It's a good idea but many good ideas don't go anywhere due to the cost. I think using a single main supply for all needs is the cheapest and most efficient method for suppliers and customers.

[HowardKennitby]

It isn't 2 mains, it is 4, one fresh water supply, one grey water supply and one used fresh water drain to fuel the grey water source and the soil pipe. Nice idea but not very practical.

[Ann]

I think that's a brilliant idea HC :)

[woofgang]

actually while I wouldn't mind showering in water that comes from a storage tank (as I already do, its the usual reason, that and its being softened that make it "not for drinking") That water goes in my mouth and eyes and has contact with other mucous membranes and i would rather that it was treated to drinking standard.

[The Builder]

Unfortunately, it's all down to human nature, hc. Water Companies are compelled to supply safe water. With two supplies. one of them being "sub-standard", a lot of people would simply use the lower grade for all their needs.......... to save money. I don't think the Water Companies would want to take on the health, and subsequent legal, repercussions.

[Dodger666]

I believe quite a lot of new homes in Australia collect rainwater to be stored and used for non drinking use.

My nephew has recently moved into a new home there with a massive water storage tank.

[beso]

Where I live in Australia, new homes must include a rain water tank used to flush the toilet and in the washing machine. All new swimming pools must have a tank too.

[EcclesCake]

We harvest our rain water and use it to flush the loos.

[jomifl]

You can get wc flush cisterns with a handbasin built into the top.

[The Builder]

"Rainwater Harvesting", Dodger ........... in modern parlance ;o)
A lot of it here too, especially in Social Housing, and Housing Associations. They spend a lot of money on underground storage. A Building Inspector told me recently that, because it needs to be pumped up, many tenants can't be bothered with it.......... and just revert to the mains........ shame :o(

[Dodger666]

Hi Builder.

I'm not really bothered what it's called to be honest.

It's a pity the installations you refer don't fill the empty cisterns automatically as they do in Oz. Don't ask me how they do it, they just do. I assume float switches somewhere controls the pump.

Perhaps the people who can't be bothered to use the "free" water have their water charges paid for by the taxpayer.