The reuse of grey water is emerging as a sustainable solution in the city whose water sources are declining.
Implementing a grey water recycling system has been made mandatory for new buildings to obtain planning permission. However, there needs to be more clarity about the ways to recycle grey water.
Officials of the Chennai Metrowater said sketches of grey water treatment systems had been included in the Tamil Nadu Combined Development and Building Rules, 2019. “We are encouraging people to segregate water used for bathing and washing and treat them for uses such as gardening and flushing. Residents would be able to save a minimum of 40 l of water daily.”
Moreover, water from the air-conditioner unit can also be stored. It may be noted that the Metrowater has started process for the project to use treated wastewater for city supply. Treated waste water will be blended in two lakes and then drawn for supply.
Cost-effective desgins
While the concept of sewage treatment plants in smaller capacities is catching up in multi-storied buildings, experts note that the State government must also come up with more methods for grey water recycling, other than the use of canna plants.
Residents of an apartment complex in Padur said the method to use a canna plant bed was more feasible in large complexes.
There is not sufficient guidance to reuse grey water in smaller households. They said the State government should create awareness on the concept and cost-effective designs.
