Grey Water Recapture Systems

     Inexpensive water conservation refers to the recapturing of grey 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. Most 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 recapture grey water. 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.

     • Water management is a very detailed process, involving scientific planning, developing, distribution, and optimum utilization of water resources under defined water policies. The technique of backstop water sources is an important concept.

     • If the rate of water production is no sufficient in one area, pipelines can be used to carry freshwater from where it is abundant, to an area where water is needed. Water can be imported in a variety of ways, including using water trucks. The most expensive and last resort measure of getting water to a community is the technique of desalination. 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 grey water recaptures goes, and can be applied to many situations.

     • Fresh water is produced from the ocean through the technique of desalination. "World-wide, 13,080 desalination plants produce more than 12 billion gallons of water a day, according to the International Desalination Association."- The Wall Street Journal

     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.