One monthly bill that seems to increase every month is our water bill. Many people do not realize that by using grey water instead of municipally treated water, they can still maintain the kind of lifestyle they are accustomed to while still reducing their water bill quickly and easily.

What is grey water, and how is it different than treated water?
Grey water is the water that is left over after we wash ourselves or our clothes. It can be collected very easily by diverting the water that runs down the drain when we are showering, bathing or washing the clothes that we wear. In many cases, grey water collection systems have a way of collecting rain water or melted snow as well. This can be an excellent way of obtaining an even larger supply of grey water.

Grey water is different than treated water. While water from our bathrooms and laundry facilities still has some level of treatment in it, it can also often contain particles such as cleansers and dirt. In order for it to be cleaned of particles, pollutants and impurities, it does need to be filtered. In order to utilize rainwater, it must also be filtered. However, it is not necessary to use commercial water treatment methods in order to make it suitable for use.

Where can grey water be used?
It can be hard for some people to imagine a use for grey water. The fact is that there are many different tasks that can be completed using grey water. If you set up a system properly, grey water can be used to flush toilets. It can also be used in gardens or for outdoor cleaning tasks such as washing cars or outdoor furnishings. If your home has a heating system that utilizes water (such as a radiator or radiant heating system), grey water can also be used in this capacity as well.

What this means for your family
When you consider that only about ten percent of the water we use is for washing or drinking, you can see how it can be helpful to have an alternate water supply for other domestic tasks. The right grey water system for your family is one that can help give you the kind of functionality your particular family situation needs, and can help you reduce both your expenses and your impact on the environment at the same time.

Author's Bio: 

Sam Braidley is a author who writes on topics centered around green technology, for more information please visit his website. http://www.greentech.ie