With water and waste treatment infrastructure failing in South Africa, it’s time to encourage clients to make use of grey water – and advise them on how to do it.
Freepik.com
We know that we live in a water-scarce country, and with water infrastructure failing, water scarcity may increase. Your customers may be turning to you for answers and solutions. Rainwater harvesting and purification is one step, and encouraging them to making greater use of grey water is another.
Your customers may be aware of the use of grey water, however, they may also have some misconceptions. You as the plumber need to provide the right kind of advice so that your clients can make informed decisions and make better use of the grey water that they collect.
Grey water is water that comes from sinks, baths and washing machines. This water is not potable, but can be put to use for watering gardens, toilet flushing and irrigation. The first thing to make your client aware of is that grey water cannot be stored for more than 24 hours unless the water is treated. Even then, water should not be kept stored for too long. Also, the water should be stored in proper, compliant and regulated tanks.
SANS 1732:2019 takes a look at the potential negative impact of the uncontrolled use of greywater, which includes soil degradation, ground water contamination and reduced flows and higher solid contents which can block sewerage systems. In order to reduce health risks, advise clients to use it with caution.
Any grey water system must be designed by a qualified engineer registered with the Engineering Council of SA (ECSA) and installed by a qualified plumber who must issue a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) issued by a professional plumbing body. The design and manufacture of the system must also comply with SANS 10252 – 2 which concerns water supply and drainage for buildings.
Plumbers are uniquely placed to advise on the use of grey water – and to assist clients in acquiring the right kind of storage and treatment. Not all grey water is created equal, with water saturated in harmful chemicals or detergents not being usable for watering plants.
Make educating your clients about grey water and grey water systems part of your business model and help them manage the water crisis.
