Some of you found this via a podcast or publication, so you already know what this is all about.
If you’d rather bypass the explanations, be my guest!
For everyone else, please allow me to introduce a different way of thinking about resource-consumption.
Today’s lesson: WATER.
The Starting Point
Most water systems are built with a few assumptions baked in:
– Someone else will supply clean water.
– Someone else will manage the dirty water.
– I will consume clean water and return dirty water to my environment (or the system intended to manage the dirty water).
These assumptions are there whether we’re talking about a residential building, a commercial building, or a mobile living situation.
What if I told you that the way we use water is backwards and we can do better?
Let’s look at the assumptions and see what they look like the other way around:
– I do not need sterile water provided.
– I can clean my own dirty water.
– I will consume dirty water and return clean water to my environment.
This isn’t make-believe, but it does require some ingenuity (for now).
The Main Idea
When we clean our own water and manage the condition of the water we put back into our environment, we can reduce our dependencies, improve our surroundings, and live more harmoniously within our ecosystem.
This system can intake non-potable water, clean it for use, and return potable water back into the environment, instead of the other way around (as conventional systems are designed).
The simplest way to do this is to close the usage loop.
The Main Differences Between Water Types
We’re focusing on greywater for this system.
Clean Water
Springs, wells, purified water, municipal water
Greywater
Used water from sinks, showers, bath, laundry, without harsh chemicals
Blackwater
Water from toilets or containing harsh chemicals
Design Rationale
By managing the water filtering process within the loop, pre-cleaned water is not required when adding water to the system (rainwater, lake water, and municipal water are all acceptable) – this water system is source-agnostic.
Because we’re utilizing a gravity-fed system for water pressure, pumping water through the filters and into the clean water tank is required before it’s possible to dump used water. This means that the only “wastewater” that can be dumped from the system is clean, thus removing restrictions on where used water can be deposited.
By using cleanable and re-usable filters, landfill waste and maintenance / replacement needs are also significantly reduced.
With a closed-loop system, it does not require consistent external water sources, so you can continue to use and recycle your greywater even when you’re away from water sources.
What Does This Mean?
For you, this means a residential water system that utilizes a closed-loop design to clean and reuse its own water supply, only returning clean water back into the environment.
And you can build it yourself.
(…or incorporate it into your own house designs.)
Get Started!
If you’re ready to see what all the hype is about (and how simple the system is), I made this is for you!
BONUS
I also have a gift for you:
Each purchase of these design plans come with an (optional) design consultation.
Since the builder can use any plumbing materials they prefer, each installation will be unique to the home, and in some cases, this system will be retrofitted to an existing home, so my offer to you is this:
I will donate a consultation slot (1 hour) to help you incorporate this design into your home.
You’ll receive a link to my calendar so you can schedule a consultation when it’s convenient for you.
I want this to work for you and can’t wait to see where it takes you!
Let’s keep in touch, ok?
I would love to follow your progress and cheer you along!
XOXO,
