Green Glossary: Grey Water

As unappetizing as it may sound, grey water is useful stuff. OasisDesign.net defines it as such: "Any water that has been used in the home, except water from toilets, is called grey water. Dish, shower, sink, and laundry water comprise 50-80% of residential 'waste' water. This may be reused for other purposes, especially landscape irrigation." The benefits of grey water recycling include:

- Lower fresh water use

- Less strain on failing septic tank or treatment plant

- Grey water treatment in topsoil is highly effective

- Ability to build in areas unsuitable for conventional treatment

- Less energy and chemical use

- Groundwater recharge

- Plant growth

- Reclamation of otherwise wasted nutrients

If this has piqued your interest, you can do the classic FAQ thing or else check out what the Greywater Guerrillas are up. They are "a collaborative group of educators, designers, builders, and artists who educate and empower people to build sustainable water culture and infrastructure."