GREYWATER
Greywater is washwater. That is, all wastewater excepting toilet wastes and food wastes derived from garbage grinders. There are significant distinctions between greywater and toilet wastewater (called "blackwater"). These distinctions tell us how these wastewaters should be treated /managed and why, in the interests of public health and environmental protection, they should not be mixed together.
COMBINED WASTEWATER
Greywater and Blackwater:
Key differences
Greywater contains far less nitrogen than
blackwater
Nine-tenths of the nitrogen contained in combined wastewater derives
from toilet wastes (i.e., from the blackwater). Nitrogen is one of the most
serious and difficult-to-remove pollutants affecting our potential drinking
water supply.
Greywater contains far fewer pathogens
than blackwater
Medical and public health professionals view feces as the
most significant source of human pathogens. Keeping toilet wastes out
of the wastewater stream dramatically reduces the danger of spreading
such organisms via water.
Greywater decomposes much faster than
blackwater
The implication of the more rapid
decomposition of greywater pollutants is the quicker stabilization
and therefore enhanced prevention of water
pollution.
(see graphs Fig 2. &
3.).
Contents
Courtesy of Hans LÖnn, Fastighetsanalys, Älgö
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