In many locations, dual distribution systems have been constructed to deliver
reclaimed water for nonpotable uses. Most often these uses are associated with
landscape and residential irrigation. Clearly there are other domestic water
demands such as toilet flushing which do not require potable water. To date,
however, few other nonpotable water demands in the residential sector have been
investigated. This is primarily because of the cost of new plumbing to provide
reclaimed water within residential homes and the understandable concern about
potential cross connections. At the same time, it is well recognized that
opportunities to conserve potable water do exist within residential homes. The
City of Altamonte Springs, Florida conducted a pilot study in which a residential
home was plumbed to use reclaimed water for toilet flushing. The home was
equipped with two toilets and automatic lawn irrigation system. For the test
home, a potable water meter records water used in the sinks, showers, and laundry
within the home; a reclaimed water meter measures flows for toilet flushing and
irrigation. Records were kept of the material and labor costs associated with the
retrofit. Based on this pilot study, average water use associated with
residential toilet flushing was 39 gallons per day (gpd). The use of reclaimed water for this
purpose could eliminate potable water use in toilets for a cost of $2.60/1,000
gallons. The use of low flush toilets would be expected to conserve 21 gpd at a
cost of $1.45/1,000 gallons. Includes tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. - No. |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 340 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 14 |
| Published : | 01/01/2000 |
