Christova-Boal, Diana (1995) Installation and evaluation of domestic greywater reuse systems. Research Master thesis, Victoria University of Technology.

Abstract

This study focuses on the installation and evaluation of domestic greywater reuse systems. The project was undertaken to assess the feasibility of reusing domestic greywater for irrigating lawns/gardens and for flushing toilets, to determine potential health and environmental impacts of such reuse, and to assess social attitudes towards reusing greywater in and around the house. Greywater from bathrooms/laundries at four Melbourne properties with different soil types, slopes, house types and family characteristics was filtered, collected in tanks and distributed by gravity or pumping for subsurface irrigation and/or toilet flushing. Family water use activities, soil parameters and other environmental indicators were monitored, and flows were metered and sampled for microbiological, physical and chemical analyses. Preliminary risk analyses and two social surveys were also carried out. The results of the extensive experimental program indicated that greywater quality, water savings, costs of the systems and general reuse practicability and success would vary substantially with specific site conditions and householder practices. A number of conclusions were drawn regarding technical difficulties of installation and maintenance of these systems, costs involved and the public perception of greywater reuse, but adequate assessment of environmental and public health risk will require further research. The reader is referred to chapter 10 which contains a comprehensive review of the main conclusions and recommendations relating to the technical, economic, social, public health and environmental aspects of domestic on-site greywater reuse. These findings should serve as a useful guide for anyone contemplating the development and installation of greywater reuse systems or components for toilet flushing and/or irrigation purposes.

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