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Description

Greywater Management

Greywater is the wastewater generated from bathing, washing, general cleaning, kitchen, maintenance of livestock, as well as from community stand posts, wells, hand pumps and other institutional areas, etc.

Greywater typically contains fewer contaminants than blackwater and can be a valuable resource if managed and treated appropriately. Managing greywater can help reduce water consumption, save money, and lessen the environmental impact of water use.

Here are some key aspects of greywater management:

•  Collection: Greywater is collected from sources such as sinks, showers, and washing machines. It is important to separate greywater from blackwater to ensure that it remains safe for handling and treatment.

•  Treatment: Greywater can be treated to remove impurities and contaminants. Treatment methods can range from simple filtration to more advanced systems like biological treatment or constructed wetlands. The level of treatment required depends on how the greywater will be reused.

•  Reuse: Treated greywater can be reused for various non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, flushing toilets, or even for laundry. The specific reuse options will depend on the quality of the treated greywater and local regulations.

•  Local Regulations: It's crucial to be aware of local regulations and guidelines regarding greywater use. Some areas have strict rules governing the collection and use of greywater to ensure public health and safety.

•  Design and Plumbing: To reuse greywater, this may involve installing separate plumbing systems for greywater and blackwater, as well as treatment and storage components.

•  System Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that the greywater system operates effectively and safely. This includes periodic cleaning and maintenance of treatment components.

•  Health and Safety: Greywater should not be used for drinking or any purpose that involves direct human contact. It should also not be stored for extended periods to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Greywater Management under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

In SBM-G Phase II, special priority has been given to greywater management, which is one of the criteria to achieve ODF Plus status. 

It seeks to address the unsafe disposal of greywater that can lead to stagnation, overflow onto the village paths or pollute water bodies, all of which have serious implications on human health through various vectorborne diseases. If the greywater generated is not treated properly, it can lead to contamination of surface water sources as well. 

SBM-G Phase II prioritizes the management of greywater preferably by simple techniques and on-site management, i.e., near the source itself, using sustainable and economical technologies, such as soak pit, leach pit, magic pit or kitchen garden. In situations where space is not available near the household, community-level or village-level greywater management systems, such as WSP, CW, DEWATs, Phytorid, etc. are preferred. Greywater Management (GWM), in villages should follow the principle of 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recharge). 

Greywater from households, institutions, water points and drainage discharge points should be treated at the nearest point possible to prevent stagnation of water. 

GWM interventions are to be undertaken in convergence with the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in villages saturated with FHTCs (Functional Household Tap Connection).