Green Homes and Water Recapture

     Water recapture refers to the capturing of water as well as reducing the use of water. There are multiple ways to inexpensively conserve water. Most irrigation systems use waste water. Only 35 to 40 percent of recaptured water directed towards crop irrigation ever actually meets the crops. A larger amount is successful in making it towards green homes, especially if the grey water is collected on site. In terms of irrigation, most water soaks into canals, leaks from pipes, or evaporates due to warm weather. Swales and cisterns can be used to catch excess water and then be used in the dry season. There are several ways to conserve water, and many can be applied to green homes and farms.

     Water management, especially for green homes, is a very detailed process, involving scientific planning, developing, distribution, and optimum utilization of water resources under defined water policies. All of these things can be applied to the home and those that are hoping to lower their carbon footprint, or to better green their home.

     If the rate of water production is no sufficient in one area, pipelines can be used to carry freshwater from where it is abundant, green homes. Water can be imported in a variety of ways, including using water trucks. Water transfers are called “backstop” water sources. Fog catchers are the most extreme of backstop methods. These methods are considered to be relatively inexpensive as far as water recaptures goes, and can be applied to many situations. Water recapture for green homes can be important in many ways:

     • Water can be much more efficiently used within industries.

     • Industries should used water in a closed water cycle if possible.

     • Industries should prevent polluting water so that it can be returned to the water cycle.

     • Grey water waste should be used to irrigate trees or lawns.

     • Water drawn from aquifers should be recharged by treating the water and replacing back into the aquifer.

     • Water can be conserved by not allowing fresh water to be used to irrigate places such as golf courses, etc.

     • 1500 liters of water is used on average for the manufacturing of a single computer and monitor.

     • Luxury goods should not be produced in hot stains, areas where fresh water has been depleted.

     There are several factors that keep desalination from being a cure call for water conservation and water shortages. The high capital costs to build the desalination plant, the high cost of the water produced, the energy required to desalinate the water, the environmental issues with the disposal of left over brine, and the high cost of actually transporting the water. However, desalination is used in many countries for agricultural uses because of the decreasing costs of desalination technology.

     All of these techniques can be applied to greener homes. All that it takes is a process of taking the recaptured water and directing it towards your home.