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Non-potable Water for Irrigation
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Non-potable water is unfit for humans to drink, but is usually clean enough for a variety of other uses. The continuing effort to conserve and preserve potable water resources emphasizes using alternative water sources for irrigation. Only about 1% of the world’s water is potable.
Lawns are the thirstiest of all crops. Golf courses, highways, parks, playgrounds and cemeteries are among the heaviest users of irrigation water due to their large expanses and automatic watering systems. Potable water, or water suitable for drinking, could be less available for such non-potable activities as irrigation by being replaced with alternative sources such as non-potable fresh water, brackish (higher than allowed salt content) sources, or treated wastewater effluent.
In areas of rapid population growth competition for water has become a major planning issue. Reclaimed water is considered a great potential resource for various non-potable applications such as irrigation. Using reclaimed water for irrigation requires examination of current irrigation design practices and technologies for landscape applications. However, reuse irrigation systems must be designed, built and managed in accordance with reuse regulations that require higher operating and management skills.
Where codes permit, a significant amount of non-potable water can be readily reused for various purposes. Greywater is water from sources such as rain, showers and bathroom sinks. This water can usually be used again for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing, and landscaping irrigation. Placing a bucket in the shower to catch excess water during bathing, then using this greywater to flush the toilet is an easy way to reuse water. Another example is collecting rainwater for later use for landscaping irrigation. Barrels with spigots placed under gutter spouts will do fine for collecting run off. Check local municipalities for code regulations concerning greywater collection.
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Before you buy... Windows
Everybody loves windows. What is the attraction? We love the connection to the outdoors, to be engaged in nature yet comfortable indoors no matter what the weather is outside. In addition to bringing views, light, and aesthetic value to a home, windows contribute to two vital energy systems: daylighting and heating.
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