Blackwater is the wastewater from the kitchen sink and toilets although blackwater systems usually treat greywater as well.
Grey water treatment systems nz.
Greywater is water from basins baths and showers that is piped to a surge tank.
Save your septic system if you have one by diverting grey water from it.
How it works see second image for diagram step 1.
The average kiwi spends 7 minutes in a shower which depending on the shower head can equate to between 7 and 14 litres per minute.
Use water twice and return it to the environment naturally.
Probably the most common form of blackwater system in new zealand is the septic tank where some of the solids are digested by anaerobic bacteria and the remaining.
Grey water comes from baths showers laundries dishwashers etc.
Some local authorities in new zealand encourage greywater recycling but other authorities do not.
Testing by environmental science and research esr on greywater systems in new zealand found the presence of bacteria which can harm your health even in treated greywater.
If a greywater treatment system dgts is being used rather than a greywater diversion device gwdd the waste water from the kitchen can be included.
Water from kitchen sinks was found to be unsafe for reuse because of the risk of contamination from organic matter such as bacteria from meat.
Any on site wastewater treatment system must meet performance requirements for construction and operation of the building code.
If the system is designed to as nzs 1547 the requirements of the code will be met.
These robust power free sewage treatment systems in nz have very little maintenance requirements and are cost effective throughout their lifetime making them good replacements for traditional septic tanks.
In new zealand commercially manufactured grey water systems that meet the requirements for treatment and reuse of water are available.
When the valve is open greywater flows directly to the mains sewage or septic tank.
As an exceptional septic tank alternative naturalflow is the wastewater solution for new zealand s rural homes and businesses.
How a greywater system works.
The greywater is held briefly in the tank before being discharged to an irrigation or treatment.
A grey water recycling system will filter and clean around two thirds of your water use ready for use in a dripper feed irrigation system.
These units are typically comprised of a plastic gully with a grating a submersible pump which automatically moves the grey water to the irrigation system.
Throughout new zealand many are already enjoying the benefits of reusing grey water.
Greywater systems must comply with building code requirements.
By having a grey water system homeowners and business owners can convert waste into a valuable resource.
Blackwater systems are also available in new zealand.