Enhanced Methods for Water Recycling, a Greywater System Upgrade at the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology

Water resources present a problem on a global scale.  In order to address the growing global water demand more effective and responsible methods should be investigated for water reuse.  Greywater is waste water generated from processes such as bathing, laundry and dishwashing.  The Campus Center for Appropriate Technology(CCAT) at Humboldt State University is a student managed house on campus.  The house is meant to be a model of sustainable, appropriate technology for the community.  It contains photovoltaic panels, multiple rainwater catchment systems, as well as vegetable gardens which are meant to demonstrate a sustainable lifestyle.  The greywater system is currently offline due to larger than anticipated water demand.  The objective of the research is to explore the greywater system’s inefficiencies and opportunities to upscale the system.  The system was originally designed for a water use capacity up to three people.  However, the reality is that at any given time approximately 8 people utilize the house and affiliated systems.   One of the main objectives of the research is to investigate whether the system can be up scaled?  As the system handles a higher water demand, the effluent must conform to California Greywater systems.  The criteria for ensuring the system has been properly up scaled will be to test the pH, dissolved oxygen, and suspended solids of the output are within standards, which will ensure proper water treatment.  The findings of the investigations will be implemented at CCAT, and provide others the methods for upgrading other small scale greywater systems.