Abstract
The purpose of this project was to build a greywater filtration system to reduce fresh water use and inspire other to create reusable water resources. Our client hosts large parties and events regularly meaning many people from the community spend time at the site. Our team made the system look as inspirational as possible so that when community members see it, it may inspire them to create one of their own. A "How To" Manual can be found below to allow others to recreate our system at their own homes. This system specifically filters water from two kitchen sinks, however, it can be modified to filter washing machine runoff or showers. Below is a description of the final project team four squared built at the Sanctuary.
Background
Team Four Squared is a group of Humboldt State University students who are a part of the Engineering 215 - Introduction to Design class of Fall 2016. Our client, The Sanctuary, located on J street in Arcata, CA is a community building dedicated to offering a creative space where members of the community can grow, create and build not just physical things but experiences and memories as well. This greywater system will serve not only as a water filtration station but also as inspiration for others to build their own greywater filtration systems.
Problem statement and criteria
The objective of this project was to reduce the amount of city water that the Sanctuary uses outdoors. Our system filters the kitchen sink water from the neighboring house allowing the Sanctuary to use recycled water for outdoor use.
| Criteria | Importance | Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | 10 | People need to be inspired to want to replicate this project. |
| Reuse of materials | 9 | 90% of the materials used must be reused or upcycled. |
| Cost | 8 | No more than $400 may be spent |
| Maintenance | 7 | The system needs to be able to be maintained by 2 adults. |
| Ease of use | 6 | The system needs to be able to be used by any adult. |
| Safety | 5 | Humans may not come in contact with the greywater. |
Description of final project
File:Https://www.dropbox.com/s/v1c74w7h6yibfqx/Picture1.jpg?dl=0
Include a how to use and maintain section. See the how to template below.
Costs
Cost Table
Total Costs of Grey water System:
| Quantity | Material | Source | Cost ($) | Total ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | bathtubs | 25.00 | 50.00 | |
| 1 | 2.5" Plug | 5.43 | 5.43 | |
| 1 | 2" plug | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 1 | 2" hole to elbow adapter | 8.99 | 8.99 | |
| 1 | 2" hole to hose adapter | 13.99 | 13.99 | |
| 6 | 1 foot long 2" wide pipe | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 20 | Plants | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 6 | baffles | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 2 | elbow pipes | 6.99 | 13.98 | |
| 10 | 5 gal pea gravel | 0.50 | 5.00 | |
| 10 | 5 gal larger gravel | 0.50 | 5.00 | |
| 2 | screens | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Total Cost | $102.39 | |||
Testing Results
The Sanctuary will not be using this system during the winter. So in February we will have more data. This video describes how the water would flow if the system was working properly.
How to build
This section gives a step by step explanation on how to build this system, explaining piping and materials used.
Maintenance
It is important to properly maintain this system otherwise it may not work properly. The majority of time maintaining this system is only done every few years, with small amounts of cleaning on an as needed basis.
Schedule
- Daily
- Check for clogs or build up in the input tank, empty and wash out the filter as needed (3 min).
- Check for clogs or leaks in the outputs of tub 1 and 2, empty and wash out as needed (2-10 Min).
- Weekly
- Take out any plants that may have died as needed(2 min).
- Clean out any build up that may have formed in the input buckets of tub 1 and tub 2 (5 min).
- Replace the hay filter in the input tanks and remove excess grease (5 min).
- Monthly
- Check to make sure there isn't any build up of debris in the pipes of inputs (5 Min).
- Yearly
- Replace any buckets or pipes that may have been broken or cracked during the winter months
- Every 3 years
- Run copious amounts of water through the rocks and plants to clean out all of the nutrients and debris that have formed over time (1 hour).
- If necessary replace any rocks, buckets, or pipes that need to be replaced due to damage or malfunctions (1 hour).
Instructions
This is how to maintain. The step by step how to template {{How to}} is most likely best for this part.
Troubleshooting
This is only how to troubleshoot basic operation.
| Problem | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Water is not flowing freely through the system | Check for clogs and debris buildup in the output pipes of tub 1 and tub 2. |
| Plants in the system are dying | Remove dead plants and replace with new healthy plants. Ensure the water is flowing through the system. |
| The system has objectionable odors | Run enough water through the system to ensure the system's water is not still |
Discussion and next steps
- Connect the grey water system to the drain of the sink inside the house.
- Attach a garden hose to the overflow water outlet of tub 2 so plants can be watered with the greywater in the system.
- Allow the roots of the plants in grey filtration system to grow to better absorb nutrients in the greywater
- Use the system to inspire spectators in ways to conserve water and live sustainably
References
See Help:Footnotes for more. Template:Reflist