The Complete Guide to Water Storage: How to Use Gray Water and Rainwater Systems, Rain Barrels, Tanks, and Other Water Storage Techniques for Household and Emergency Use by Julie Fryer

Author:Julie Fryer
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: water, storage, natural resource, emergency, rainwater, gray water, collection, purify, store water, hazards, tanks, ponds, safe, drinking water, harvest
Publisher: Atlantic Publishing
Published: 2012-01-18T00:00:00+00:00

Construction and Maintenance Concerns

Most gray water reclamation projects will require heavy-duty work, especially in plumbing, excavation, and groundwork. When done incorrectly, these projects can fail, and you could end up with a basement filled with gray water or a large stagnant pool in your backyard. Even worse, you will be out the money you spent to construct it, and you will have to spend even more to clean up the mess. Before you even begin construction, be honest with yourself about your ability to complete the construction of a system on your own. Do you have the construction skills to build a gray water system? Do you have plumbing skills, or will you hire people to help you? Do you have the necessary skills to complete the work so it will pass an inspection? Do you have the time to complete this project quickly once you have begun? After all, once you tap into your gray water, you do not want to wait to finish.

Another important consideration is whether you will be able to maintain the system once it is built. There are not difficult or time-consuming post-construction maintenance issues, but using a gray water system will require a change in your normal way of life. It is important to make sure all family members are willing to learn how to work with the new methods of water usage. You do not want to invest time and money into a system you will eventually abandon because it is too much of a lifestyle commitment.

You might need to have your site surveyed and inspected before you begin any type of construction. During this time, begin to make a list of supplies you will need for your gray water system. You might also need to buy or rent tools and equipment, including table saws, backhoes, or cement mixers. Plan what you will need in advance, and make the necessary arrangements. If you are doing the work yourself, much of the needed equipment can be rented by the day or by the hour from your local hardware or home improvement store.

You might determine you cannot do all the work alone and that you will need assistance from other professionals, such as plumbers, to assist you. If you are calling in help, you need to decide who will function as the contractor. This person will coordinate all workers, supplies, and schedules so everything works together. Homeowners can take on this job as long as you are familiar with the design and have the time to devote to the project. As with any construction project, you can also hire a contractor to handle these coordination tasks.

The possibilities for gray water systems range from simple to complex. If you feel adventurous and want to tackle more complicated designs, check out Art Ludwig’s Create an Oasis with Greywater. This book offers more information on establishing a gray water collection system for your entire yard.

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