SB: Re: Greywater

[Derek Roff <derek@unm.edu>]

> Here, if you are on 10 acres or more you can pump out the second
> side of the septic tank onto the ground.  This means  no septic
> field.  There are requirements about how far from the house,
> nearest creek, and property lines, but it can't be very great to
> fit on 10 acres.  This would be a very good system for greywater.

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Watson Wick (aerobic 
pumice wick) in relation to greywater and composting toilets.  This 
has been discussed on this list before, and in The Last Straw 
Journal.  It offers many advantages, including lower cost, freedom 
from disease vectors and groundwater pollution.  Unlike the usual 
septic system, a wick uses the water and nutrients in the grey and/or 
black water for the production of plants.  Compared to a composting 
toilet, it requires less much less attention, less maintenance, and 
seems "normal" to your family members and guests.

Quoting from the web site 
<http://www.networkearth.org/naturalbuilding/wick.html>

"An aerobic pumice wick is used to filter, clean and decontaminate 
greywater and blackwater. To create a pumice wick, an 18" bed of 
pumice is laid with a 6" covering layer of soil. Grass and other 
plants are planted and roots grow into the pumice bed.

All household wastes drain into an "infiltrator," which captures 
solid waste to form a compost and allows liquid to be absorbed in the 
pumice wick and plant roots. This liquid is taken up by the plants, 
which use the nutrients and transpire the water."

I have seen them work at both the Black Range Lodge and the Lama 
Foundation.  It is system worthy of consideration.

Derelict

Derek Roff
Language Learning Center, Ortega Hall Rm 129, University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131  505/277-7368 fax 505/277-3885
Internet: derek@unm.edu

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from the list, send a message to:
   <strawbale-unsubscribe@crest.org>

or for the digest to:
   <strawbale-digest-unsubscribe@crest.org>

Please send any list administration questions to
strawbale-owner@crest.org