Rainwater and greywater use in buildings. Decision-making for water conservation (PR80)

The Government, water regulators and water supply undertakers are all encouraging the adoption of water conservation measures. One component of these measures is to use rainwater and greywater (water from wash basins, baths, and showers) as a source of water to reduce the reliance upon the mains water supply. There has been relatively little guidance on how separate or combined rainwater and greywater systems may provide safe water to buildings. Making decisions on system design or selection has proven difficult and, in some developments, has led to rejection of rainwater or greywater systems. These books aim to address these problems and provide information and authoritative best practice for rainwater and greywater systems, either separate or combined.The Decision-making for water conservation provides a background to the use of rainwater and greywater and identifies the barriers and benefits of this type of water use and recycling. It discusses the issues surrounding rainwater and greywater use, including regulation, water quality, hazards of operation, economics, design and suitability of application. The document is aimed at water utilities, local authorities, and environmental regulators. In addition, the document is aimed at private individuals and house builders with an interest in conserving water resources.

Key words: sustainable resource use, housing, internal environment.

ISBN: 978-0-86017-880-4

Author: D Leggett, R Brown, G Stanfield, D Brewer, E Holli

Number of pages: 66 (paperback)

Publisher: CIRIA

Date of Publication: August 2001