April 28, 2010
Kate Hudson, Sustainability Committee Chair
UUMAN
11420 Crabapple Rd.
Roswell, GA 30075
Subject: Evaluation and Recommendation for a Greywater Reuse
System for Unitarian Universalists of Metro Atlanta North
Dear Ms. Hudson:
I am excited to present you with the report titled "Evaluation and
Recommendation for a Greywater Reuse System for Unitarian Universalists
of Metro Atlanta North".
The report, as agreed to, discusses a greywater reuse for UUMAN. The report
explains what a reuse system does, benefits, building codes, safety concerns
and three possible basic sample plans for an implementation at UUMAN.
Information gathering included onsite observations, conversations with
subject matter experts, and research utilizing the University System of
Georgia libraries, and the Internet. Although I have included three sample
installations, I regret to inform you that because of permitting requirements
the Sustainability Committee should consider postponing or modifying this
project to install a rainwater harvesting system instead.
Please contact me with any questions. You may reach me at 555-429-9990 or
through email at mdean2@spsu.edu.
Yours Truly,
Michael Dean
/md
Enclosure: Evaluation and Recommendation for a Greywater Reuse System
for Unitarian Universalists of Metro Atlanta North
Evaluation and Recommendation for a
Greywater Reuse System for Unitarian
Universalists of Metro Atlanta North
Prepared for:
Kate Hudson, Sustainability
Committee Chair
Unitarian Universalist Metro
Atlanta North
Prepared by:
Michael Dean, Independent
Environmental Research
Specialist
April 28th, 2010
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Table of Contents
List of Figures .............................................................................................................. iv
List of Tables .................................................................................................................. v
Executive Summary ................................................................................................... vi
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 2
The problem ........................................................................................................................... 2
Rainwater harvesting ......................................................................................................... 4
Water reuse ............................................................................................................................ 4
Greywater ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Reuse .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Objectives ................................................................................................................................ 4
Methods .......................................................................................................................... 6
Research stage one .............................................................................................................. 6
Second research stage ........................................................................................................ 6
Resource evaluation ..................................................................................................................... 6
System design evaluations......................................................................................................... 7
Results............................................................................................................................. 8
Quantity ................................................................................................................................... 8
Quality ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Reuse system basics ......................................................................................................... 10
Collection ........................................................................................................................................ 10
Storage .................................................................................................................................. 11
Filters..................................................................................................................................... 11
Pre-filters ........................................................................................................................................ 11
Commercial filters ....................................................................................................................... 11
Media filters ................................................................................................................................... 12
Treatment ............................................................................................................................ 12
Distribution ......................................................................................................................... 12
Hand .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Pipes.................................................................................................................................................. 12
System types ....................................................................................................................... 12
Commercial Systems .................................................................................................................. 12
Modular custom systems ......................................................................................................... 13
Disadvantages ............................................................................................................................... 13
Codes, requirements and restrictions ....................................................................... 14
Greywater definition according to Georgia code............................................................ 14
Collection ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Storage ............................................................................................................................................. 14
Filtration ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Distribution .................................................................................................................................... 14
System Design..................................................................................................................... 15
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Permitting ............................................................................................................................ 15
Plants ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Concerns ............................................................................................................................... 17
Health Concerns ........................................................................................................................... 17
Freezing Weather ........................................................................................................................ 17
Maintenance .................................................................................................................................. 17
Discussion .................................................................................................................... 18
Greywater Collection ....................................................................................................... 18
Tank locations .................................................................................................................... 20
Planting bed locations ..................................................................................................... 21
Sanctuary view ............................................................................................................................. 21
Back patio view ............................................................................................................................ 22
Fellowship Hall front view....................................................................................................... 23
Recommendation ...................................................................................................... 24
Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix A .................................................................................................................. 26
References ................................................................................................................... 27
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
List of Figures
Figure 1. Trends in population and freshwater withdrawals by source, 1950–
2005.. ................................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2. Estimated breakdown of water use at UUMAN. ......................................... 8
Figure 3. Basic greywater system .................................................................................... 10
Figure 4. Common screen pre-filter attached to a drain pipe. ............................. 11
Figure 5. Commercial filters also know as cartridge filters................................... 11
Figure 6. Media filter (sand). ............................................................................................. 12
Figure 7. Restroom floor plan. .......................................................................................... 18
Figure 8. Restroom Side elevation. ................................................................................. 19
Figure 9. Restrooms exterior with possible storage tank locations................... 20
Figure 10. Planting bed and Irrigation layout behind sanctuary ........................ 21
Figure 11. Planting bed with irrigation system layout behind Fellowship Hall
patio view........................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 12. Fellowship Hall front side beds with irrigation layout ...................... 23
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
List of Tables
Table 1. Plants that do well when irrigated with greywater ................................ 16
Table 2. Fellowship Hall restroom and drinking fountain user counts ............ 26
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Executive Summary
This report investigates a possible installation of a water reuse system at
UUMAN (Unitarian Universalist of Metro Atlanta North). This system can
help alleviate the burden placed on the planet's rivers and lakes by reducing
UUMAN's water use and supplying the Sustainability Committee with a tool
for educating about and promoting water reuse. The system would reuse the
wastewater from the Fellowship Halls' (FH) restroom sinks and drinking
fountain to irrigate existing or new landscaping at UUMAN. This
wastewater—called greywater—does not contain food or human waste.
The research involved three subject matter experts, a civil engineer, a
wastewater expert, and UUMAN's operations chair. The experts along with
information taken from journals, books, government documents, and online
resources identified that FH generated 380 gallons of good quality greywater.
The research gave an understanding of the mechanics of greywater reuse
systems, pros and cons of modular (custom) and commercial system, health
concerns, and a short list of plants that do not do well in the alkaline
environment of greywater.
Most important, identificaton of information about Georgia building codes
and permit requirments. Georgia code requires UUMAN to use a 500 gallon
tank, a system designed by a certified wastewater engine, the subteranian
irrigation system must have even distribution accross the entire irrigation
plane. Greywater pipes require purple pipes with prominent signs to indicate
that the pipe carries unsafe water—greywater handled properly poses no
health hazard if the system has routine maintenance and inspection.
The report provides three planting bed designs that recieve 100% of their
water needs from FH, while reducing the load on the septic system and help
prevent future failures. These prominent locations will help the
Sustainability Commitee promote and educate about water reuse and show
UUMAN's ongoing commitment to sustainability.
A greywater reuse system could provide irrigation the church's grounds
need, and get UUMAN closer to Green Sanctuary Certification. The State of
Georgia has made it nearly impossible to install a legal and affordable system.
Therefore, UUMAN should consider these recommended options:
1. Install a system for toilet flushing using a commercial system—
reduced cost easier to get permits.
2. Install a rain harvesting system—does not require permits.
3. Lobby the state to reduce restrictions—shows commitment.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Introduction
This report discusses the possibilities for a water reuse system for the
Unitarian Universalist of Metro Atlanta North (UUMAN) church. A system at
UUMAN can help the Sustainability Committee’s efforts to educate the public
about sustainable living and water conservation while providing relief for the
septic system at UUMAN.
At the core of every Unitarian Universalist (UU) exists an obligation for
environmental protection. The UU Seventh Principle says, "Respect for the
interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part" (Unitarian
Universalist Association of Congregations, 2010). Water, a basic part of the
web, must take priority in UUMAN's journey to becoming a Green Sanctuary.
To promote sustainable living the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)
developed the Green Sanctuary Certification. UUMAN made the choice to
become a Green Sanctuary. The Green Sanctuary Certification program
requires that each project the church creates must
• build awareness of the significance and complexity of environmental
issues;
• encourage personal lifestyle changes;
• engage in community action on environmental issues;
• strengthen the connection between spiritual practice and Earth
consciousness; and
• work to heal environmental injustices (Unitarian Universalist
Association of Congregations, 2009).
Therefore, the Sustainability Committee commissioned this report to
investigate the possibility of installing a water recycling system that could
irrigate a planting bed. This bed and reuse system would help facilitate
education about the importance of conserving water as well as provide an
example.
The problem
Concern about water conservation grows as populations grow. Growing
cities need more drinking water than our rivers and lakes can produce. It
does not take long to find examples of water overuse—the Colorado River
frequently does not reach the ocean. The river falls short of its destination
because the cities and industries along its path drain it dry (Tennesen, 2006).
From here in Atlanta, we cannot do much for the Colorado River, but we can
help prevent a similar fate for the Chattahoochee.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Here in Georgia, we recently saw Lake Lanier reach extremely low levels—19
feet below full pool—caused by the combination of drought and the amount
of water Metro Atlanta uses (US Army Corps of Engineers, 2008).
Over the last 30 years the demand for clearwater (drinking water) remained
relatively constant. Water use maintained a nearly constant level from 1985
to 2005 (see Figure 1). The steady trend in use, although a good thing, does
not represent the picture accurately. Consumer water use went up while
industry use went down (Barber et al. 2009, p. 1).
Residential use grew 2% from 2000 to 2005 (Barber, Hutson, Kenny, Linsey,
Lovelace, & Maupin, 2009, p. 4). Water restrictions along with low flow
toilets and showerheads have helped to slow the rise, but as populations
grow the demand for drinking water grows. Many daily uses for water do not
require clearwater quality: such as irrigation, cleaning chores, laundry, and
toilet flushing. These activities account for half of the residential water used
each day (Lindstom, 2000, Synopsis section).
To help reduce water use, governments around the world encourage the use
of rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems.
Figure 1. Trends in population and freshwater withdrawals by source, 1950–2005. Adapted from
Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005 by N. L. Barber, J. F. Kenny, S. S. Hutson, K. S. Linsey,
JK. Lovelace, and M A. Maupin, 2009, p. 45. Copyright 2007 by the U.S. Department of the Interior and
U.S. Geological Survey.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting simply means collecting the water from rooftops
and saving it for later use. Uses include watering landscaping and
vegetable gardens, toilet flushing, and general cleaning.
Water reuse
To understand water reuse, you must first understand greywater.
Greywater
Greywater starts as clearwater that goes down the drain during
activities such as bathing, hand washing, shaving, teeth brushing,
and washing clothes. Once used it becomes greywater. The
greywater goes into the sewer or septic system where it mixes with
blackwater. Blackwater contains human waste and bits of food
making it too dangerous for reuse.
Reuse
Greywater reuse systems redirect greywater to a system that
reduces bacteria to a safe level. This makes the water available for
other uses such as toilet flushing, car washing, and lawn watering. It
also reduces the amount of waste sent to treatment plants and septic
systems. Greywater recycling alone can reduce the amount of
clearwater used by up to 40% (Texas Water Resource Institute,
1998).
People overlook greywater reuse as a solution for water conservation—
especially here in Georgia—due to the ease of rainwater harvesting. But in
times of drought, greywater remains abundant while rainwater does not.
UUMAN by implementing a system can help educate the public and
congregation about its use.
Objectives
This report investigates the possibilities of installing a greywater reuse
system at UUMAN. A system at UUMAN needs to
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reduce the workload on the septic system by reducing the amount of
wastewater going into the system;
reduce water use at UUMAN, which then reduces the demands on the
earth's water systems;
build awareness by drawing attention to the idea of saving water;
encourage personal lifestyle changes by demonstrating a system that
people can duplicate at home; and
provide a tool that the Sustainability Committee can use to help
educate the church members and community about saving water and
possibly encourage them to do more.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Although this report does mention the use of greywater for toilet flushing,
the main objective remains to explore reuse through irrigation. The report
discusses possible designs and their pitfalls, as well as laws governing their
installation and use. To gather the information required many different
resources, each required validation and analysis through a multi-step
method.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Methods
The research for this report took place in two stages.
Research stage one
The first research phase determined the quantity and quality of the
greywater resources available at UUMAN. Data collected during a 4 hour
period told how many people used the restrooms and drinking fountain
on a Sunday morning. Those numbers along with estimates established
by studies about hand washing practices generated a quantity in gallons
used for the two sinks and the drinking fountain. A visual inspection of
the plumbing systems conducted with the onsite subject mater expert
(SME) Don Groce determined modifications needed for the plumbing, and
identified three potential sites for the planting bed.
Next Georgia's Laws and regulations surrounding greywater reuse
needed investigated and understood. Accomplishing this required
speaking to Mr. Carl Andrews. Mr. Andrews has worked in civil
engineering field for 15 years. He has designed drain systems, grading,
building sites, and buildings. He has many years of working with zoning
boards and inspectors. In addition to getting information through Mr.
Andrews, federal and state greywater reuse guidelines provided
information as well.
Second research stage
The second stage of research developed an understanding of greywater
reuse systems. This research involved Mr. Andrews, Mr. Adriaan van der
Beek, a wastewater expert, and multiple books, journal articles,
government guides, and advocacy group websites.
Resource evaluation
Each SME possesses a minimum of ten years of experience in their
field. All the other resources used have publication dates within the
last 15 years. The authors of these articles and books proved
credible if
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other authors had cited their work;
other studies confirmed the research;
the work provided references to back up the findings; and
contained no existing bias.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
System design evaluations
System designs, although evaluated, can only provide suggestions. A
complete system design requires a certified engineer. The design
suggestions follow government guidelines and recommendations
with the information provided by SME's and other research sources.
The methods used made for a very specific study of greywater reuse and how
its application at UUMAN can help the Sustainability Committee achieve their
goal of education about water reuse. The results of these methods provide
the committee with information they can use even if they choose not to
install a system at UUMAN.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Results
Choosing a successful system requires understanding the greywater
resources at UUMAN. Quantity and quality of UUMAN's greywater decides
the available options.
Quantity
Residential water use varies with geographic location, type of resident,
number of occupants, size of property, and types of landscaping. More
than 50% of a typical households water use comes from bathing and
laundry (Li, Wichmann, & Otterpohl, 2009, p. 250).
UUMAN does not have the water use patterns of a typical residence. No
bathing or laundry takes place on UUMAN property. Toilet flushing uses
the most water at UUMAN followed by hand washing (see Figure 2).
Nonresidential settings use as much as 48% of their water for toilet
flushing (Li, Wichmann, & Otterpohl, 2009).
Figure 2. Estimated breakdown of water use at UUMAN.
Because of lack of information about previous water use, the gallons of
greywater available for reuse required estimation. A 4 hour surveillance
of the restrooms and the drinking fountain located in Fellowship Hall,
determined that these three basins generate 380 gallons of greywater a
week (see Appendix A).
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Quality
UUMAN uses biodegradable cleaning products and hand soaps. These
products actually work as fertilizer for plants, as do the bits of organic
matter that goes down the drain during hand washing (Farwell
&Prillwitz, 1995).
Natural cleaners do contain boron and salts that can kill plants. UUMAN
will need to practice caution with any cleaning products used. Signs
placed near the sinks can provide protection against people pouring
other contaminates such as solvents, paint, or other harsh cleaners down
the drain.
UUMAN at a minimum produces 380 gallons of greywater from the restroom
sinks and drinking fountain a week. This greywater contains some natural
cleaners and organic matter. But because the source is not from laundry or
bathing, the water contains only small amounts of soaps, detergents, and
organic matter. Although a lower quantity, UUMAN produces a higher quality
greywater.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Reuse system basics
Reusing greywater involves many steps. Reuse starts with collecting the
water that flows from the drains in the bathroom and laundry room. The
used water—greywater— flows to a diverter. The diverter can either
direct the greywater to the reuse system or the septic or sewer system.
When diverted to the reuse system the water may go through several
steps such as filtration, disinfection treatment, and storage before reuse
(see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Basic greywater system. Generation of grey water begins with bathing and
laundry. A three-way valve diverts the drain water to a filtration and treatment system
before reuse.
Collection
The first step in reuse needs to collect the greywater.
Hand method
This means gathering the water from the bath or cloths washer
using a bucket or watering can.
Pipes
Once down the drain and before the greywater drainpipes
connect with the main drain going to the sewer, a three-way
diverter can reroute the greywater to a reuse system. A three-
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
way diverter valve provides the ability to switch the greywater
between destinations—the sewer or the reuses system.
Storage
Storage containers for greywater vary from specially designed tanks to
salvaged tanks, barrels, and garbage cans. Some greywater systems use
standard septic tanks dedicated for greywater storage. Regardless of the
container, if the system involves storing greywater for more than 24
hours the water will need disinfection. Greywater stored for more than
24 hours without treatment becomes blackwater.
Filters
Removing particles from the greywater prevents them from clogging or
building up and harming the system. The Georgia Department of
Community Affairs in the publication, Georgia Gray Water Recycling
Systems Guidelines discusses the filter options available to Georgians
when considering a greywater system.
Pre-filters
Pre-filters (see Figure 4) remove
large particles like lint and hair.
They prevent the particles from
settling in the bottom of the storage
tank where they may clog pumps or
other plumbing. Typically, prefilters consist of a screen like
material, but they can also consist of
woodchips or gravel.
Figure 4. Common screen pre-filter
attached to a drainpipe.
Commercial filters
Commercial filters (see Figure 5)
remove finer particles. Georgia
requires a higher quality of filtration
for water designated for use in
urinals or toilets. Commercial
cartridges can remove and treat
greywater for bacteria, and they help
prevent malfunctions with toilet
plumbing hardware due to particle
buildup.
Figure 5. Commercial filters also
know as cartridge filters.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Media filters
Media filters use layers of porous
material the water passes through(see
Figure 6). Each layer of media—fiber
mesh, wood chips, sand, or gravel—
removes more debris from the water.
Media filters do require frequent
maintenance (Georgia Department of
Community Affairs, 2009, pp. 16,17).
Treatment
Multiple methods of treating greywater exist.
The type of treatment depends on the quality
of the greywater and its intended use (GDCA,
2009, p. 17). Treatment options include
chlorination and ultraviolet. Greywater
transported directly to a subterranean
irrigation system does not require any
disinfection.
Figure 6. Media filter (sand).
Sand filters consist of varying
coarseness from sand to small
stones. Water enters from the
top travels through the media.
This simulates the earth’s
natural cleansing process.
Distribution
There are two ways to distribute the greywater.
Hand
Georgia law allows a resident to directly water non-crop producing
vegetation through hand watering. This method requires direct
application without the use of sprayers or sprinkler, does not allow
for modifications to plumbing systems, or for the storage of
greywater (Nazli, 2008).
Pipes
Pipes can carry the water provided they are marked according to
local plumbing codes. The water needs pressurized for use in a drip
irrigation system, or it can flow directly into the ground using
perforated pipes.
System types
Two types of systems exist, commercial and custom designed systems.
Commercial Systems
A new market place has sprung up around the water conservation
market. Both industry and residential consumers looking for
complete systems have turned to this new industry—manufacture
systems—for solutions.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Advantages
Installing an established commercial system comes with
advantages that include
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compact design;
customer support;
maintenance contracts;
easier to get approval for permits;
warranties; and
installation packages.
Disadvantages
Installing a commercial system comes with disadvantages that
include
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higher prices;
complex design;
difficult installation;
higher maintenance cost.
Modular custom systems
Installing a system from assembled parts can save money in parts
and installation. There are advantages and disadvantages to a
custom system.
Advantages
A custom system has many advantages that include
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cost saving by using salvaged or existing materials;
simple design made from readily available parts;
component driven design allows for easier repairs, and
task oriented design.
A commercial system has built in components. The designated
application may not need all of these components. A modular
system only includes the needed components.
Disadvantages
A custom system also carries many disadvantages
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system tends to require more room;
no customer support;
more difficult to get permits; and
no warranties.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Permit offices and inspectors tend to reject custom designs unless
they have the backing of an engineer or professional installer (C.
Andrews. Personal communication. April 25, 2010.).
Codes, requirements and restrictions
The intended use of the system regulates the filtration and sanitation
requirements. This report only covers the portions of the codes that apply
to an underground irrigation system. This report means to serve only as a
reference to the laws and codes. By no means should this information
stand in place of a full understanding of the codes that a certified
engineer or installer could provide.
Greywater definition according to Georgia code
Water from lavatory sinks, tubs and showers, washing machines,
and condensation from air conditioning units qualify as greywater
according to Georgia code—drain water from kitchen sinks and
dishwashers does not. Georgia code defines kitchen wastewater as
blackwater (GDCA, 2009, p. 12).
Collection
Code requires that the plumbing for greywater have signs that
declare the water as not suitable for human consumption. Purple
pipes also indicate that the pipe carries greywater. The system must
comply with Georgia State Minimum Standard Plumbing Code (GDCA,
2009, p. 12)
Storage
Georgia code says, for a church, that the storage tank must hold 65%
of the water used by the church per-day. The code determines the
gallons used for a church—regardless of actual use—based on
sanctuary seating. The code says that each seat produces five gallons
of waste per-day. Given that the sanctuary can seat approximately
150 people, Georgia Code requires a 500 gallon storage tank.
Filtration
Filtering the greywater before reuse has benefits, but it is not
required. "Filtering the water prevents solids from damaging the
system, and it allows for easier disinfection of the water" (GDCA,
2009, p. 16).
Distribution
Other than hand watering, the state allows for either a pressurized
subterranean irrigation system or a passive gravity fed
subterranean system. Distribution pipes require installation at a
minimum depth of 6 inches no closer than 12 inches apart and they
must remain level. The distribution of the water must remain
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
consistent across entire field (Department of Human Resources
Division of Public Health, 2007, p. F35).
Georgia Code requires design and install of the irrigation system by
a certified wastewater installer—a septic field installer. It may prove
difficult to find a septic installer that also understands irrigation.
Once found because of their duel specialty they could charge a
higher price.
Pressurized
A pressurized system requires more maintenance and tends to
be more prone to clogging, requiring a higher standard of
filtration. A pressurized system makes it easier to regulate the
distribution of the water across the field.
Passive or gravity fed system
A gravity fed system requires little filtration—if any—the
greywater passes through a perforated pipe directly into the
ground. Although it is more difficult to get the required even
disbursement, once completed it requires little maintenance.
System Design
Although other states including Texas and California have pre-approved
multiple custom designs, and commercial systems, Georgia does not preapprove any of them. A State of Georgia certified engineer must design
the reuse system and the irrigation system on a site-specific basis"(DHR
Division of Public Health, 2007). This requirement forces the project
budget into the thousands of dollars ranges instead of a couple hundred
dollars it would cost in California, Texas, or Arizona (A. van der Beek,
personal communication, April 25, 2010).
Permitting
The State of Georgia requires permitting. Permits for greywater require
"an incredible amount of wasted time and money. Once the regulations
have been around for several years, and the commission [zoning] has
been better educated about greywater the restrictions will be removed"
(A. van der Beek, personal communication, April 25, 2010). Until then to
permitting requires
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plan approval from the county board of health;
professionally engineered design;
soil tested for percolation rates—the ability to absorb the water
without runoff;
Department of Human Resources certified installer;
3 years of maintenance and service agreements;
use of DHR approved products; and
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN

compliance with Department of Human Resources' rules for OnSite Sewage Management Systems Chapter 290-5-26 (GDCA, 2009,
p. 21).
Plants
Not all plants grow well in a greywater environment. Greywater systems
have a pH in the alkaline ranges. Plants that prefer an acid pH—typical of
shade loving plants—will not survive well in an alkaline greywater
environment (Farwell & Prillwitz, 1995, p. 29). The University of Georgia
Cooperative Extension Service does not express concern about pH—it
warns about the damage done by over watering (Peeples, 2008)
Table 1
Plants reported to not do well when irrigated with greywater
Common Name
Common Name
Foxgloves
Scientific
Name
Rhododendron
Southern
Indica
Begonia
Dicentra
exim`ia
Camellia
Thujopsis
dolabrata
Lagerstroemia
indica
Digitalis
Ferns
Gardenias
Dryopteris
Gardenia
Violets
Azaleas
Begonias
Bleeding Hearts
Camellias
Cedar
Crape Myrtle
Hydrangeas
Holly
Wood Sorrel
Philodendrons
Primroses
Scientific
Name
Hydrangea
Ilex
Impatiens
Oxalis
Philodendron
Primula
Rhododendrons Rhododendron
Star Jasmine
Jasminum
multiflorum
Violaceae
Note. Adapted from M. Farwell & L. Prillwitz, 1995. Greywater Guidlines p. 29. California
Department of Water Resources.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Concerns
Health Concerns
The idea of greywater reuse causes concern for those not informed
about proper use and handling of greywater. Simply put, unless
drinking, bathing in, or eating raw unwashed vegetables irrigated
with greywater no concern exists (Farwell & Prillwitz, 1995, p. 17).
When greywater is used, always follow these rules
 do not drink or play in greywater;
 do not mix potable (drinking) water with greywater;
 do not allow anything that may be eaten to come into
contact with greywater; and
 do not allow greywater to pond on the surface or run off
the property (Farwell & Prillwitz, 1995, p. 17).
Never treat greywater like clearwater—it contains bacteria. The
bacteria in the warm nutrient rich environment of greywater
quickly multiply. Because of this, Greywater requires immediate
reuse—within 24 hours or less—otherwise it needs treated. After
24 hours, without treatment, greywater becomes blackwater. Once
it becomes blackwater, it develops a foul odor and it becomes very
dangerous. Never reuse blackwater (GDCA, 2009, pp. 6–9).
Freezing Weather
During periods of freezing weather, the system will need either
switched off—using the three-way valve—or insulated. A
pressurized system will need blown out to prevent freezing. Placing
the system below frost line—the depth below the surface that the
ground does not freeze—would provide a lower maintenance
option.
Maintenance
Any system will require maintenance. The more complex the system
the more maintenance it will require. Maintenance activities include
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checking system for mechanical malfunctions;
check beds for pooling;
cleaning pre-filters;
replacement of media and cartridge filters; and
winterizing;
Not cleaning or replacing filters leads to system failure (GDCA, 2009,
p. 8).
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Discussion
Fellowship Hall's restroom sinks and drinking fountain, as described earlier,
produce 380 gallons of good quality greywater. Many options exist for
UUMAN to collect, filter, store, and disburse the greywater.
Greywater Collection
Because all three drains share a drainpipe before joining the main sewer
drain, installing a three-way diverter valve prior to the pipe joining the
main sewer drain will allow for switching the system off if needed (see
Figures 7 and 8).
Figure 7. Restroom floor plan. Shows the relationship of the three basins. C. Andrews, 2010. Used with
permission.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Figure 8. Restroom side elevation. Showing relationship between diverter location and the sewer drain. C.
Andrews, 2010. Used with permission.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Tank locations
Once diverted, the water goes to a filtration device or directly to the
irrigation system. If the water needs stored, it needs filtered and
disinfected first. Georgia code requires the storage container have a
capacity of 500 hundred gallons. A tank this size needs a large space to
install.
The bathrooms cantilever out over a patio behind fellowship hall. A tank
placed below the restrooms can work, if insulated against freezing
temperatures. Placing the tank in the ground next to the restrooms
provides a location that does not freeze in winter (see Figure 9).
Restrooms
Tank buried next
to restrooms
Tank directly
under drains
Figure 9. Restrooms exterior with possible storage tank location.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Planting bed locations
According to Walter Reeves of the University of Georgia Extension service
"plants need approximately one inch of water per week" (Glossery of
Terms, 2009, section Inch of water). To deliver one inch of water to a
square foot of landscape requires .623 gallons (Lipford, 2007).
At .623 gallons per square foot per week, the system can maintain
approximately a 600 square foot area. Three areas accommodate this size
restriction and provide high visibility.
Sanctuary view
A 10 foot by 30 foot arching planting bed on the backside of the
sanctuary would provide foreground interest with the natural
woods beyond. It would also provide a screen to hide the
neighboring properties. The windows provide a full view of this area
during the Sunday services, helping draw attention to the benefits of
water reuse. This location would require a pump and a storage tank
for dispersing the greywater (see Figure 10).
Figure 10. Planting bed and Irrigation layout behind sanctuary. C. Andrews, 2010. Used with
permission.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Back patio view
Located immediately bellow the Fellowship Hall restrooms a
retaining wall leads down to the driveway. A bed—40 feet by 15
feet—next to the retaining wall would stop the erosion problem of
the slope by supporting new plantings (see Figure 11). It would
provide support for the struggling existing trees and shrubs as well.
The location would not require a pump. A passive system using
perforated pipe would irrigate the entire area. A storage tank would
benefit the area by slowing the water during times of high restroom
use. The zigzag pattern keeps the distribution pipes level as Georgia
code requires.
Figure 11. Planting bed with irrigation system layout behind Fellowship Hall.
C. Andrews, 2010. Used with permission.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Fellowship Hall front view
Directly in front of fellowship Hall two 21 foot by 13 foot beds
struggle each year due to lack of water (Figure 12). Direct sun,
sloping terrain, and large areas of concrete keep these beds dry;
then each year they die.
Transporting the water around the building will require a pump.
The drip irrigation system needs to regulate flow to assure that the
water never percolates to the surface and flows across the
sidewalks.
This location provides a very visible location from the front parking
lot and the street. It would provide the most visible location. It also
will come with the highest installation cost.
Figure 12. Fellowship Hall front side beds with irrigation layout. C. Andrews, 2010. Used
with permission.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Recommendation
A grey water system could meet each objective UUMAN needs from a system:
reduce septic system workload, reduce water use, build awareness about
saving water, encourage life changes through example, and provide an
educational tool for the Sustainability Committee. But the State of Georgia
has made it nearly impossible to install a legal affordable system. Therefore,
UUMAN should consider these options:
4. Install a system for toilet flushing using a commercial system.
Although it would require additional plumbing UUMAN could set up
the system with less expense and easier permitting than the irrigation
system. Commercial systems have premade plans ready for permit
requests, and they provide guidance for working with permit offices.
A variance to get a reduced sized storage tank would cut the system
cost by 50%. This method of reuse requires a more costly and
intrusive plumbing retrofit but it would meet each of the objectives
and ultimately help get UUMAN to the Green Sanctuary status it
desires.
5. Install a rain harvesting system. A rain harvesting system would
not reduce septic system workload, but it would meet the other
objectives—this solution addresses the heart of Unitarian
Universalism's commitment to the earth through the preservation of
the rivers and lakes.
6. Lobby the state to reduce restrictions. Other states have passed
regulations allowing for non-permit systems and eased the
restrictions for the systems that require permits. Arizona was the first
to do this, since then other states have followed (Arizona Department
of Enviromental Quality, 2001). In the meantime, the Sustainability
Committee could still educate about reuse using pamphlets and
seminars. Unitarian Universalists—not know to shy away from
activism—could also aggressively join the campaign to get restrictions
reduced. This would address three of the objectives: build awareness
about saving water, encourage life changes through example, and
provide an educational tool for the Sustainability Committee.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Conclusion
UUMAN, as it pursues the goal of becoming a Green Sanctuary has many
environmental issues to address. Although this report did not contain the
immediate answer to UUMAN's objectives for water reuse, the planet's
lifeblood—water—still needs UUMAN's attention. If UUMAN decides to
pursue any of the recommendations, the foundations for the next phase of
research can start immediately.
A report on a reuse system for toilet flushing would allow for a detailed
investigation of commercial systems, provide detailed cost analysis, and
detailed plans.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
Appendix A
Data from restroom and drinking fountain use observed on April 11, 2010
from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Table 2
Fellowship Hall restroom and drinking fountain user counts
Gender
Male
Female
Total
Restroom
174
184
358
Drinking fountain
10
12
22
During a 4 hour Sunday morning, 358 people used the restroom facilities at
Fellowship Hall. A study about gender and hand washing habits suggests that
61% of women and 31% of men wash their hands after using the toilet
(Johnson, Gabello, Ragni, Sholcosky, 2003). Applying those percentages to
the restroom data collected suggests that 166 people washed their hands.
While hand washing, a person uses 1 to 2 gallons of water (Washington
Suburban Sanitary Commission, 2006). Taking the lowest of these
numbers—1 gallon—suggests the sinks generated 166 gallons of wastewater
during those 4 hours.
Unable to gather detailed information about restroom traffic during the week
forced the assumption that the restrooms received the same amount of traffic
spread out over the remaining 6 days. This suggests that the sinks generate
an additional 166 gallons a week. Allowing for 22 gallons a week for the
drinking fountain gives a weekly total of 380 gallons of greywater.
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
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Greywater Reuse Report for UUMAN
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