The recycling of grey water may reduce the shortage of water in the Middle East and North African Region (MENA).
Grey water is used water that comes from kitchens, bathroom sinks, bathtubs, and laundry. Black water comes from toilette and cannot be reused. The MENA region has 5% of the world’s population, but only 1% of the freshwater resources. (IDRC)
A sustainable solution is to treat the grey water for reuse. The treatment of grey water is a simpler system and that is inexpensive to purchase. The system can be two to four barrels and are practical for people in the MENA region. The multiple use of water is a holistic approach that will eliminate wasting the lack of water. The reuse of waste water is a possible solution to many of the water shortage issues.
Farmers in Jordan are choosing to reuse grey water without treatment as a substitute source of water. This can have some issues because untreated grey water can contain elements that can be harmful to human health. There is the risk of E. coli is present because of the degrading organic material from the kitchen sink. There are also issues of an odor with grey water.
The EPA guidelines are apprehensive to the concept, but do report that,” With proper management, wastewater use contributes significantly to sustaining livelihoods, food security and the quality of the environment. “(IWMI).
This photo is of an at home grey water system.
Filed under: Africa, Global Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture
