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ARTICLE (detail)That Other Water
What goes in must go out. This is so very true of water as it travels its roller coaster journey to and from our homes. Water that leaves our home is either storm water (uncaptured rainwater) or wastewater. Stormwater Using good gutter protection products eliminates regular cleaning and improves stormwater flows. Other products, such as taps fitted to your downpipes will help water flow more freely during heavy downpours. Collecting water doesn't have to involve a rainwater tank. We should think about what we need to use the water for. Maybe we want it for our plants and trees. Designing gardens that hold water for longer periods and using plants that survive the unpredictability of our weather is one method of collection. Pools also capture water but they evaporate significant volumes, particularly in summer. Using appropriate trees, sails or pool covers to provide shade especially during the hottest hours will reduce this evaporation and the need for constant refilling. Urban rainwater tanks are another source of collection. There is a growing variety of tanks on the market from water walls that can be used for fencing, tanks that can be placed under your deck or slab or more commonplace tanks. Tanks come in concrete, steel, fibreglass or plastic and can be round, oval, slimline. They have optional pumps, stands, filters, flush diverters, ….. Check when installing tanks that water is collected from surfaces free of asbestos and lead. Also installing screening and first flush diverters will improve water quality. Think about what you want to use your tank water for both now and in the future. This will determine the size and type of tank you will need. Wastewater Wastewater is 'black' water (from toilets) or 'grey' water. Light grey water is from bathroom and laundry taps and washing machines. Dark grey water is greasy water usually from kitchens. Light grey water is likely soon to become another source of water we can 'capture' for reuse. A range of exciting products and systems already exist to mechanically do this. Government legislation is now in place. It's now only a matter of time. Remember the 'what goes in' rule and buy biodegradable and non-phosphorous inputs eg soaps, washing powders and dishwashing products to get the right outputs. Your family and garden will be much healthier. Health food stores and other natural outlets stock a great range of these products. Regardless of where your water comes from try to remember its value and treat it like gold. Think if you can use water more preciously with passive or mechanical methods. The current water restrictions are just one method of encouraging passive changes to our outside water use. |