www.ReuseGrayWater.com
Phone: 310-791-0283

Brief Answers to Frequently Asked Questions. For more in depth information about our systems call 310-463-2634.

Q: What is gray water?
A: Gray Water is the general term given exhaust water from shower, bathtub, laundry, dishwashers and sinks in your kitchen and bathroom.  Black Water is the term given raw sewage from toilets.

Q: What does your system do?
A: It receives the exhaust water from shower, bathtub and laundry then purifies that water so it can be re-used for landscape irrigation and toilet tanks.

Q: Can your system be used to harvest rainwater?
A: Yes, with the addition of our external rainwater debris filter, it's perfectly suited to harvest and store rainwater. Rainwater may not as pure as you think.  After running down your roof, through rain gutters and downspouts it gets contaminated, especially if it hasn't rained for a while. Our system removes all debris particles then disinfects the water for storage and reuse.

Q: Why don't you recommend using dishwasher or kitchen sink water?
A:   Both contain a high degree of food by products; oil, grease and other solids that are difficult to properly purify.

Q: How does your system purify the water?
A:   Through a unique five stage filtering, purification and disinfection process.  First, particle filters remove hair, soap chips, lint and the occasional dollar bill left in pant pockets.  Then forty-eight inches inches of anthracite coal remove even the most minute remaining particles. Finally, activated carbon eliminates odors and scrubs the water to sparkling clarity. From there, the water is treated with Ultra Violet light to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria

Q: To what standards is the water purified?
A: Coliform bacteria and turbidity (water clarity) are the main components of "Title 22 Recycled Water Standards", the primary guideline used by the California Department of Public Health in classifying recycled water.  Our final water product has been independently tested to exceed the CDPH standards for these two categories as defined in Title 22 specifications for Disinfected Tertiary Recycled Water, the highest level of recycled water. The five stage purification and UV disinfection process yields a water quality that exceeds drinking water found in many countries around the world.

Q: How do I determine if a system will be a benefit and save money?
A:   Any amount water recycled will benefit our environment and is worth doing. And there is no doubt, our system will save you money; your water usage will drop by half if not more. If you want accurately calculate ROI you need to review a full years water bills to average seasonal changes in usage. Apply current rates, add penalties for exceeding 'base allotments' and sewer discharge fees. This will give you a close estimate of what the next 12 months will cost without our system. To calculate water cost with our system, reduce the total water usage by half and apply the base or tier 1 rates. From here you should be able to determine ROI. We've found in homes with average landscape needs located in areas where water has or will soon become scarce, the ROI is 3 1/2 to 4 years.

Q: What type of maintenance does your system require?
A:   Similar to servicing swimming pool and spa equipment ...but easier. Depending on overall water flow and the amount of laundry done, a weekly inspection of the filter housing pressure gages will indicate if service is needed. For full maintenance and service information refer to the "System Details" section.

Q: Is there a service technician who can handle maintenance for me?
A:   Yes, we are in the process of setting up authorized service outlets in major areas.

Q: Is there a warranty?
A:   Yes, the overall system is covered by a one year warranty. In addition, individual components are covered by the manufacturers warranties ranging from 1 to 7 years. Call or refer to the System Manual for full details.

Q: How long does it take to install one of your systems to an existing home?
A:   It depends on the complexity and size of the home and landscape area.  You should be up and recycling in two to four days.

Q: Is a building permit required for installation?
A:   Usually yes, but it depends entirely on your cities building department guidelines.  If you like, we will check your local building requirements for you.  Gray and rainwater recycling is going through rapid building department revisions nationwide.  Most cities are very progressive and understand the need to recycle, a few remain in the dark ages.

Q: What if my city tells me a gray water system can't be installed?
A: Contact us direct. After we show the specific building department the design of our system, it's benefit and test results of water purity, they become very receptive. If roadblocks remain, we have had great success by getting local City Council Members or Mayor involved. No elected official wants to be viewed as one that opposes responsible and beneficial recycling efforts.

Q: Can I install one of your systems myself?
A:   Unless you're a contractor or plumber, we don't recommend it.  For retro fit systems we strongly recommend using our factory installers.  See the "Product" page for installation costs.  Otherwise contact a local plumber.  That's not to say a skilled homeowner comfortable working with hand tools and knowledgeable of plumbing and building codes, regulations, processes and techniques could not do it themselves; we just don't recommend it.