Using treated grey water for nonpotable applications like watering gardens helps save traditional sources of fresh water.
Reusing ‘lightly used’ household wastewater can help conserve fresh water, protect the environment, and boost the economy
Recognizing growing pressures on water resources, Colombia has introduced legislation promoting the recirculation of grey water. This initiative is a significant step toward water conservation and environmental protection.
Colombia’s Regulation 1256 of 2021 encourages industries and the real estate sector to reuse and recirculate wastewater, aiming to improve water efficiency and promote sustainable water management. Traditionally, wastewater reuse in Colombia has been limited to agriculture, while recirculation focuses on reusing water within the same industry that generated it.
Recirculation means using wastewater in processes within the same operation that produced it, while reuse involves applying wastewater to different purposes than initially intended.
Resolution 549 of 2015 is another key regulation that requires the efficient use of grey and wastewater in real estate. Treated water can be reused within buildings for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, fire suppression, boilers, air conditioning, and various industrial processes. Water efficiency is determined by the drinking water consumption standards set for different building types and climate zones.
These legislations aim to change water use practices in the residential, commercial, industrial, and agriculture sectors by requiring the efficient use of water resources.
Understanding the Grey Water Recirculation Legislation
The proposed law covers several areas, from infrastructure requirements to monitoring and reporting. Here are some key points:
- Mandatory grey water systems in new developments: All new residential and commercial developments must incorporate grey water recycling systems.
- Retrofitting existing buildings: Existing buildings are encouraged, and in some cases required, to retrofit their plumbing systems to separate grey water for reuse.
- Standards for treatment: The legislation sets stringent standards for the treatment of grey water to ensure it is safe for its intended recirculation applications.
- Monitoring and reporting: Regular monitoring and reporting are mandated to ensure compliance and track the effectiveness of grey water recirculation
The Benefits of Grey Water Recirculation
Properly treating and reusing grey water helps conserve precious water resources, protect the environment, and boost the economy.
Reusing grey water reduces the demand on freshwater sources, which is particularly crucial in areas facing water scarcity. Additionally, grey water recirculation contributes to a sustainable urban water cycle, where water is efficiently recycled and recirculated rather than wasted.
Environmental protection is another important benefit of grey water recirculation. Proper treatment of grey water removes contaminants, reducing the pollution load on natural water bodies. On-site treatment and recirculation of grey water reduces the energy and infrastructure required to transport and treat water off-site, lowering the overall carbon footprint.
In addition to environmental benefits, there are economic benefits associated with grey water recirculation, including noticeable cost savings on household and business water bills. Municipal plants can also benefit. Treating wastewater in-house alleviates pressure on municipal wastewater treatment plants, extending their lifespans and reducing operational costs.
Remixing and Dilution Is Not Proper Treatment
In response to this new legislation, some are mixing grey water with sewage and treating the two together or diluting grey water to meet the discharge requirements.
However, mixing grey water with black water (sewage) and then treating the combined wastewater is inefficient. It increases the load on treatment plants and can lead to higher operational costs and energy consumption.
Others are diluting grey water to technically meet requirements; however, this does not effectively remove contaminants. This process spreads them out, potentially leading to environmental pollution and health risks. On the other hand, proper treatment of grey water ensures that harmful pathogens and chemicals are removed, making the water safe for its intended recirculation purposes. Treated grey water meets specific standards, ensuring consistency in quality and safety, which is crucial for applications like irrigation and toilet flushing.
Embracing Grey Water Recirculation
Colombia’s grey water recirculation legislation is a forward-thinking approach to sustainable water management. By mandating the recirculation of grey water and setting high standards for its treatment, Colombia is paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally friendly urban infrastructure. However, the grey water must be treated properly.
As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of water scarcity and environmental degradation, Colombia’s model provides a compelling blueprint for others to follow. Embracing grey water recirculation is not just a regulatory necessity, but a crucial step toward a sustainable future where every drop of water is valued and utilized to its fullest potential.
If you’re looking to meet water recirculation requirements, Fluence has solutions that can help, including MABR-based Aspiral™ Flex modular treatment plants, which offer quick setup, produce high-quality effluent ready for non-potable reuse, and take up a small footprint onsite.
Contact Fluence to ask our experts about your project, and we will find the optimal solution for your needs.