How to Save on Your Monthly Electric Bill By Installing a Graywater System

What is a Graywater System?

A graywater system collects and reuses water from household uses like showers, sinks, and washing machines to irrigate landscapes. The water collected from these uses is considered "graywater", as opposed to "blackwater" from toilets which contains sewage and requires special treatment.

Graywater contains minimal amounts of dirt, food, grease, and certain household chemicals. With proper treatment and usage, graywater provides an excellent source of irrigation for lawns, gardens, and trees.

Installing a graywater system allows households to reuse water that would otherwise go down the drain. This saves thousands of gallons per year, reducing monthly water and sewer bills. Graywater systems are legal in most states and provide an eco-friendly way to lower your environmental impact.

How Does a Graywater System Work?

A basic graywater system has three main components:

More complex systems may have additional filtration, disinfection, pumps, and controls. But the basic process remains collecting, treating, and reusing graywater for irrigation purposes.

What Are the Benefits of Installing a Graywater System?

Installing a graywater system in your home provides many benefits:

What Are the Steps to Install a Graywater System?

Installing a legal, permitted graywater system for your home involves several key steps:

Research State and Local Codes

Choose a Collection System

Install a Filtration System

Set Up a Storage Tank

Include Disinfection

Distribute Through Irrigation

Get System Permitted

Following the appropriate guidelines and getting professional help when needed ensures your system works safely and effectively.

What Are the Costs Associated with a Graywater System?

Installing a graywater system requires an initial investment that pays back over time through lower utility bills:

With professional installation, the total upfront cost often ranges from $1500 to $7000. But with simple DIY systems, costs can be under $1000. Through lowered utility bills, graywater systems typically pay for themselves in 2-7 years.

What Are Some Tips for Using a Graywater System Effectively?

To maximize benefits from a graywater system, keep these tips in mind:

Following best practices ensures your graywater system sustainably provides ecological and economic benefits for your household.

Conclusion

Installing a properly permitted graywater system requires an initial investment but can significantly lower monthly water and sewer bills through reuse. These eco-friendly systems treat and redistribute graywater from sinks, showers, and laundry to irrigate landscapes. With appropriate guidelines followed, households can conserve water, save money, and reduce their environmental impact through harnessing the potential of graywater. Careful system maintenance and usage keeps treatment effective and prevents contamination. Starting graywater collection is a great way to sustainably shrink your utility costs and overall water footprint.