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Greywater, defined by the California Health and Safety Code ([http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=hsc&group=17001-18000&file=17920-17928 Section 17922.12a]) is “untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes.” The Code continues to specify what systems can provide water to the system, the list includes: bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs. Any wastewater coming from kitchen sinks or dishwashers cannot be classified as greywater. <br />
Greywater, defined by the California Health and Safety Code ([http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=hsc&group=17001-18000&file=17920-17928 Section 17922.12a]) is “untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes.” The Code continues to specify what systems can provide water to the system, the list includes: bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs. Any wastewater coming from kitchen sinks or dishwashers cannot be classified as greywater. <br />


The California Water Code ([http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=wat&group=14001-15000&file=14875-14877.3 Section 14877]) defines a greywater system as “a system and devices, attached to the plumbing system for the sanitary distribution or use of greywater.”   Cities or countries have the ability to add stricter standards to that of California’s and care must be taken learn about the local standards. <br />
The California Water Code ([http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=wat&group=14001-15000&file=14875-14877.3 Section 14877]) defines a greywater system as “a system and devices, attached to the plumbing system for the sanitary distribution or use of greywater.” The California Plumbing Code, specifically Title 24 sets the regulatory standards for plumbing and installations of greywater systems.   <br />


The United States has some of the most stringent requirements, with California having the first graywater code in the nation <ref name = "Greywater Action"> Greywater Action, 2010, “About Greywater Reuse”. <http://greywateraction.org/content/about-greywater-reuse></ref>.  California’s code has up until 2009, been very restrictive and in most circumstances made it infeasible to install a permitted system.  On August 4, 2009, California Plumbing Code adopted new regulations to help provide flexibility with water reuse systems. <br />
The United States has some of the most stringent requirements, with California having the first greywater code in the nation <ref name = "Greywater Action"> Greywater Action, 2010, “About Greywater Reuse”. <http://greywateraction.org/content/about-greywater-reuse></ref>.  California’s code has up until 2009, been very restrictive and in most circumstances made it infeasible to install a permitted system.  On August 4, 2009, California Plumbing Code adopted new regulations to help provide flexibility with water reuse systems. <br />


For more information on California greywater law go to [http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/law/california/ Oasis Designs webpage].
For more information on California greywater law go to [http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/law/california/ Oasis Designs webpage].
==Summary Plumbing Code Ch. 16A ==
Chapter 16A, "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems" was added as an emergency greywater regulation to the 2007 California Plumbing Code. The regulations were identifies as "emergency" to eliminate the 18 month waiting period that would otherwise have been required. Chapter 16A was approved by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) on July 30, 2009.  The emergency regulations were filed with the Secretary of State on August 4, 2009, effective immediately upon filing. The Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems (Chapter 16A) is now part of Title 24, under Part 5 of the 2007 California Plumbing Code and was made a permanent part of the HCD Plumbing Code on January 27, 2010, with the unanimous approval of the CBSC.
The objectives of Chapter 16A<ref name="Ch16A"/> are to conserve water by facilitating greywater use, reduce the number of non-compliant greywater systems, grovide guidance, and provide an alternative that would relieve stress on private sewage disposal systems<ref name = "Ch16A">HDC, 2010, "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems", California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A, Part I, <http://www.hcd.ca.gov/codes/shl/Preface_ET_Emergency_Graywater.pdf></ref>. Chapter 16A establishes minimum requirements for the installation of greywater systems. Part I of the code covers all persons and occupancies regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development ([http://www.hcd.ca.gov/ HCD]). The purpose of the code is to provide guidance to users while adding more flexibility to the process.  This chapter of the code contains provisions which allows for the installation of limited types of greywater systems to be installed without a construction permit. However the code does not eliminate the need for persons considering the installation of a greywater system from contacting local authorities to ensure they are informed and in compliance with local requirements or prohibitions.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) adopted Part II of Chapter 16A<ref name="Ch16A"/>, which covers general permitting, labeling, signage, inspection and testing of the recycling water system. The main purpose of Part II of Chapter 16 is to insure the greywater system is identified so the public and persons work on or around the system are informed on the contants of the greywater pipes.
[http://www.iapmo.org/2010%20California%20Plumbing%20Code/Chapter%2016A.pdf Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems" (Parts I and II)]


===California design criteria ===
===California design criteria ===
The criteria set by Chapter 16A are given below, however it is important to check with local enforcement agencies for other local rules and regulations <ref name="Ch16A"/>. <br />
The criteria set by Chapter 16A <ref name="Ch16A"/> are given below, however it is important to check with local enforcement agencies for other local rules and regulations. <br />


Greywater systems are separated into three categories:
Greywater systems are separated into three categories:
Line 81: Line 69:
:*The greywater can not be used on root crops or edible parts of food crops
:*The greywater can not be used on root crops or edible parts of food crops
<br />
<br />
==Summary Plumbing Code Ch. 16A ==
<br /> <br/>Cities or countries have the ability to add stricter standards to that of California’s and care must be taken learn about the local standards.
The objectives of Chapter 16A<ref name="Ch16A"/> are to conserve water by facilitating greywater use, reduce the number of non-compliant greywater systems, provide guidance, and provide an alternative that would relieve stress on private sewage disposal systems<ref name = "Ch16A">HDC, 2010, "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems", California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A, Part I, <http://www.hcd.ca.gov/codes/shl/Preface_ET_Emergency_Graywater.pdf></ref>. Chapter 16A establishes minimum requirements for the installation of greywater systems. Part I of the code covers all persons and occupancies regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development ([http://www.hcd.ca.gov/ HCD]).<br />
The purpose of the code is to provide guidance to users while adding more flexibility to the process.  This chapter of the code contains provisions which allows for the installation of limited types of greywater systems to be installed without a construction permit. However the code does not eliminate the need for persons considering the installation of a greywater system from contacting local authorities to ensure they are informed and in compliance with local requirements or prohibitions.<br />
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) adopted Part II of Chapter 16A<ref name="Ch16A"/>, which covers general permitting, labeling, signage, inspection and testing of the recycling water system. The main purpose of Part II of Chapter 16 is to insure the greywater system is identified so the public and persons work on or around the system are informed on the contants of the greywater pipes. <br />
Chapter 16A, "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems" was added as an emergency greywater regulation to the 2007 California Plumbing Code. The regulations were identifies as "emergency" to eliminate the 18 month waiting period that would otherwise have been required. Chapter 16A was approved by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) on July 30, 2009.  The emergency regulations were filed with the Secretary of State on August 4, 2009, effective immediately upon filing. The Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems (Chapter 16A) is now part of Title 24, under Part 5 of the 2007 California Plumbing Code and was made a permanent part of the HCD Plumbing Code on January 27, 2010, with the unanimous approval of the CBSC.<br />
[http://www.iapmo.org/2010%20California%20Plumbing%20Code/Chapter%2016A.pdf Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems" (Parts I and II)]


== Subsurface greywater wetland design and calculator ==
== Subsurface greywater wetland design and calculator ==

Revision as of 05:14, 16 December 2011

This page will provide two things:

  1. Current California Greywater Regulations
  2. Backyard Greywater Design Calculator

Template:Topic with portal header

General information

Greywater (also called graywater or grey water or gray water) is wastewater that has not come in contact with fecal material and is intended for reuse in irrigation. Greywater is a common method of water reuse with the benefit of reducing water consumption and preserving the water resource.

Greywater may not come in contact with fecal material due to contamination from pathogens. Because greywater will contain soaps, cleaning products, food particles and dyes, which may have nitrates, phosphates, bacteria, bleaches, solids (organic and not), and foam causing elements. Using water that contains these things may cause degradation to the surrounding environment, by changing the pH, overloading nutrients, and increases oxygen demand [1]. Greywater may contain, high levels of nutrients, and having a wetland treatment system can reduce contaminates through biological treatment and generate a healthier and more productive ecosystem.

California greywater defined

Greywater, defined by the California Health and Safety Code (Section 17922.12a) is “untreated wastewater that has not been contaminated by any toilet discharge, has not been affected by infectious, contaminated, or unhealthy bodily wastes, and does not present a threat from contamination by unhealthful processing, manufacturing, or operating wastes.” The Code continues to specify what systems can provide water to the system, the list includes: bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, and laundry tubs. Any wastewater coming from kitchen sinks or dishwashers cannot be classified as greywater.

The California Water Code (Section 14877) defines a greywater system as “a system and devices, attached to the plumbing system for the sanitary distribution or use of greywater.” The California Plumbing Code, specifically Title 24 sets the regulatory standards for plumbing and installations of greywater systems.

The United States has some of the most stringent requirements, with California having the first greywater code in the nation [2]. California’s code has up until 2009, been very restrictive and in most circumstances made it infeasible to install a permitted system. On August 4, 2009, California Plumbing Code adopted new regulations to help provide flexibility with water reuse systems.

For more information on California greywater law go to Oasis Designs webpage.

California design criteria

The criteria set by Chapter 16A [3] are given below, however it is important to check with local enforcement agencies for other local rules and regulations.

Greywater systems are separated into three categories:

  1. Single Fixture or Cloths Washer
    • No permit required
  2. Single System
    • Exceeds washer or single fixture system
    • Capacity is 250 gallons per day or less
    • Construction permit required
  3. Complex System
    • Multi family or multi dwelling unit
    • Capacity is greater than 250 gallons per day
    • Construction permit required


Construction Permits

  • Applies for Small or Complex Systems
  • Identify groundwater level and soil type for absorption qualities
- may use a 3 foot vertical test hole to show groundwater is lower than hole
  • All components must be water tight
  • Must be inspected by enforcement agency
  • Other local regulations and inspection requirements many apply (contact local enforcement agency)


All greywater systems must meet the following requirements:

  • Not connected to potable water system
  • Design is based on location, discharge capacity, soil type and groundwater level
  • The area of discharge must be on the same plot as the source, unless lawfully exempt.
  • No construction until plan is approved (except for cloths washer or single fixture system)
  • Dual discharge must be available to switch between greywater and sewer
  • No dipper washing or contact with any fecal material
  • Greywater may not
- be used for spray irrigation
- pond up
- runoff
- discharge to storm sewer
- discharge to surface body of water
  • The discharge point must be covered by 2 in (51mm) material (mulch, rock, soil)
  • The greywater can not be used on root crops or edible parts of food crops



Summary Plumbing Code Ch. 16A



Cities or countries have the ability to add stricter standards to that of California’s and care must be taken learn about the local standards. The objectives of Chapter 16A[3] are to conserve water by facilitating greywater use, reduce the number of non-compliant greywater systems, provide guidance, and provide an alternative that would relieve stress on private sewage disposal systems[3]. Chapter 16A establishes minimum requirements for the installation of greywater systems. Part I of the code covers all persons and occupancies regulated by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
The purpose of the code is to provide guidance to users while adding more flexibility to the process. This chapter of the code contains provisions which allows for the installation of limited types of greywater systems to be installed without a construction permit. However the code does not eliminate the need for persons considering the installation of a greywater system from contacting local authorities to ensure they are informed and in compliance with local requirements or prohibitions.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) adopted Part II of Chapter 16A[3], which covers general permitting, labeling, signage, inspection and testing of the recycling water system. The main purpose of Part II of Chapter 16 is to insure the greywater system is identified so the public and persons work on or around the system are informed on the contants of the greywater pipes.

Chapter 16A, "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems" was added as an emergency greywater regulation to the 2007 California Plumbing Code. The regulations were identifies as "emergency" to eliminate the 18 month waiting period that would otherwise have been required. Chapter 16A was approved by the California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) on July 30, 2009. The emergency regulations were filed with the Secretary of State on August 4, 2009, effective immediately upon filing. The Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems (Chapter 16A) is now part of Title 24, under Part 5 of the 2007 California Plumbing Code and was made a permanent part of the HCD Plumbing Code on January 27, 2010, with the unanimous approval of the CBSC.


Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems" (Parts I and II)


Subsurface greywater wetland design and calculator

A constructed wetland can be used in greywater applications for greywater treatment to help reduce pollutants before the water is released for irrigation.
How it Works
Greywater is discharged from the house to a either directly to into the greywater wetland or to a primary treatment system before going into the wetland. The primary treatment separates out some of the larger solids greses and oils. Primary treatment can be accomplished with filters, grease traps and settling tanks. In the greywater wetland the water undergos secondary treatment through filtration and other biological processes. The biological processes include the plants in the wetland, the bacteria that live on and around the vegetation and from decomposition of the fixed solids.

Primary treatment

Primary Treatment may not be necessary for California greywater systems. Primary Treatment is the first treatment greywater receives. The objective of primary treatment is to remove grease and oils and larger solids from the greywater before the water is supplied to the wetland. Greses, oils and large solids can clog a wetlands and or kill beneficial bateria, resulting in a reduction in the wetlands treatment ability.
Primary Treatment is necessary if the greywater contains greases, fats and large particles, which is most likely the case when the kitchen sick is combined in the greywater system. However, California greywater systems cannot be attached to the kitchen sink, so primary treatment many not be needed for greywater systems in California.
For more examples and ideas go to greywater.com and theres a section on primary treatment in Subsurface flow constructed wetland for greywater.


Subsurface flow wetlands are the idean choice for a greywater wetland that meets California regulations.

Greywater Subsurface Wetland Calculator

Snapshot of the greywater sizing calculator

An excel Residential Subsurface Constructed Wetland Calculator has been designed to size a wetland based on BOD loading[4][5] and California weather [6].

To download the calculator click here, the file must be saved and enabled before use.

To learn how to use the calculator click on the "How to Use the Calculator" link in blue located in the upper right corner of the excel sheet or click on the "HowToUseCalculator" tab along the bottom.

Location

When selecting a location for a greywater wetland, consider the following:

  • The wetland should be directly on the receiving end of an effluent flow
  • A downhill slope of about 0.5% - 1% [4][5] is recommended so water can flow by gravity through the wetland and then to the final discharge area.
  • The site should be easily accessible for monitoring and maintenance [5].
  • Do not construct the greywater treatment system in a pre-existing wetland.

Materials

Cut out of a subsurface wetland
Cut out of a subsurface wetland

Required materials for construction of a subsurface flow wetland. [4]

Materials
Cement
Bricks
PVC or metal piping (inlet and outlet)
Fine plastic mesh
Impermeable linear
Valves
Check valve (back flow preventer)
Sand
Gravel
Mulch
Wetland Plants (Emergent plants for constructed wetlands)

Sizing

The design and sizing of a subsurface constructed wetland can be based on reduction of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). BOD is a water quality parameter that measures the amount of oxygen required for biochemical activity (e.g., aerobic bacteria) that is present in water to function. High levels of BOD in a system can decrease the available oxygen and be harmful to aquatic life [7]. The average BOD coming into the greywater wetland has been measured as 65 mg/L [8]. The final BOD in a natural system generally ranges from 2 to 7 mg/L [4].

BOD removal rates can be calculated based on the reaction rate constant for the appropriate temperature using the equation below [5]:

where

kr = reaction rate for a specific temperature
k20 = reaction rate at 20 °C
T = lowest temperature in wetland system (°C)

The reaction rate constant varies bases on the system and the bacteria present. A larger k value indicates faster decomposition of BOD [7]. For the for the wetland design a k20 value of 1.1 day-1 was used for the reaction rate constant [4]. The area required for the desired BOD reduction can be calculated based on the detention time, which is a log order removal based on the reaction rate constant, and includes the flow, depth and the porosity of media.

where:

A = Area (m)
L = Length (m)
W = Width (m)
Q = Flow (m3/day)
Co = Initial concentration (mg/L)
Cc = Desired effluent concentration (mg/L)
d = Depth of gravel media (m)
n = Porosity of media (-)


Maintenance

Wetland treatment systems require limited maintenance, but some monitoring and initial work will provide better long term treatment. Several thing to do and watch for are listed below:

  1. Water depth- To meet California requirements greywater is not allowed to pond up, watching wetland to insure all water is being treated below ground. During initial plant growth varying the water depth will encourage the roots of the plant to grow deeper providing more treatment at lower depths [4]
  2. Vegetation - Greywater should not be toxic to plants, however if the plants are wilting and dying something may be present in the system that is not suppose to be and a good indicator to get the water tested [5].
  3. Invasive vegetation - the vegetation should be monitored to ensure no invasive species are coming into the wetland that may clog or reduce the wetlands treatment ability. Care should also be taken so that vegetation from the wetland doesn't migrate to any natural wetlands (only important if wetland plant species are not native)
  4. Periodic cleaning - The mesh screens will need periodic cleaning, time between cleanings will depend on what is being put into the greywater system. It is recommended that the mesh screen be check one a month for the first six month or until a cleaning schedule can be determined.
  5. Overflow from storms- heavy storm events will contribute water to the wetland, if there is a concern of the wetland over filling, switching the greywater system back to a swage several days before the storm is recommended.

Resources

  1. Yocum, Dayna, 2006, Design Manual: Greywater Biofiltration Constructed Wetland System, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara
  2. Greywater Action, 2010, “About Greywater Reuse”. <http://greywateraction.org/content/about-greywater-reuse>
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 HDC, 2010, "Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems", California Plumbing Code, Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A, Part I, <http://www.hcd.ca.gov/codes/shl/Preface_ET_Emergency_Graywater.pdf>
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Crites, Ronald, and George Tchobanoglous, 1998, "Small and Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems." Water Resources and Environmental Engineering Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "CandT" defined multiple times with different content
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 EPA, 1993, Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands for Wastwater Treatment: A Technology Assessment, Office of Water, 832-R-93-008 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "EPA" defined multiple times with different content
  6. Golden Gate Weather Services, 2011, <www.ggweather.com>
  7. 7.0 7.1 Metcalf and Eddy, 2003, Wastewater Engineering Treatment and Reuse, McGraw Hill, New York, NY
  8. Casanova, L.M., V.Little, R.J.Frye, and C.P.Gerba 2001. A survey of the microbial quality of recycled household graywater. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 37(5)
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