A Greywater Recycling Systems, like the AQUALOOP System for example, can produce hygienic and clean water from shower, tub and bathroom sink, which can be reused.
(image: BRANZ)
The potential saving by recycling greywater can be up to 40% of potable water in a domestic environment. The AQUALOOP is not only saving potable water, but also sewage, as water which normally will be discharged into the sewer system will be reused, therefore saving twice.
The modular system can be used for small domestic dwellings and for commercial projects.
The AQUALOOP system has a NSF and BS certification, the only system that has achieved it so far.
It works with a tertiary treatment:
- coarse filtration
- aerated treatment
- membrane filtration (membrane life expectancy up to 10 years)
and eliminates 99.9999% of all bacteria and 99.7% of all viruses.
More info from:
Aloaqua Ltd
email: [email protected]
web: www.aloaqua.co.nz
]]>We promote the reuse of Greywater for over 5 years now. Our system AQUALOOP has NSF and BS certification. Our system was consented and installed in AUCKLAND, CHRISTCHURCH, TAURANGA, QUEENSTOWN LAKES DISTRICT, TAUPO, INVERCARGILL etc and the treated greywater can be used for spray irrigation.
Potable Water from Rainwater System
Rainwater collected from the roof of the house is pre-filtered via a PURAIN filter and collected in a 10000 ltr tank. The integrated AQUALOOP water treatment system micro filtrates (0.2 micron) the rainwater and transfers it to a separate 500 ltr holding tank. The speed controlled RAINMASTER FAVORIT SC 20 pumping and control unit supplies the house with the micro filtrated rain water and maintains a pre-set pressure in the line. The unit will switch over to mains supply if not enough rainwater is available and back to rainwater if it has rained again, all by itself. Thus only using the mains water supply that is required. No tank top up!
All the potable water supply, regardless if it is filtered rain- or mains water is treated with a UV system, thus eliminating any bacteria or viruses that could enter via the mains supply.
Greywater Recycling System
The bathroom greywater is pre-filtered and collected in a 500 ltr tank. The integrated AQUALOOP System is treating the greywater, breaking down organic compounds, micro filtrates (0.2 microns) the water and transfers it to a seperate 500 ltr holding tank.
A RAINMASTER ECO 10, pumping and control unit, supplies toilets, the washing machine and an outdoor tap with recycled bathroom greywater, thus saving up to 40% on potable water.
This AQUALOOP system is the one of many greywater system in Christchurch , Auckland, Queenstown, Tauranga etc, etc. the only NSF/ANSI 350 Class C certified system on the market.
Membranes have a life expectancy of up to 10 years with minimum maintenance requirements. The system was also tested by the Rainwater Harvesting Centre at Massey University Wellington. It is modular and can be sized from small domestic up to big commercial applications (life style, hotels, motels, camping grounds, swimming centers, laundries, office blocks, gyms etc, etc.).
Applications
- households, schools, hostels
- camping sites / military camps
- emergency assistance
- disaster operation
Advantages
- no electricity necessary
- small footprint
- easy installation and start-up
- complete removal of suspended solids, bacteria, viruses, helminth eggs (membrane barrier)
- long lifetime of equipment, cheap and easy replacement
- no additional chemicals necessary, except chlorine tablets
- robust process, no fine mechanical parts
We have learned from the deficiencies of other drinking water treatment technologies and have refined these technologies.
The following features prove this and hence clearly speak for C-MEM Zero:
- Transportable system - hence can be used in all places where clean drinking water is needed urgently and quickly.
- Operation without electricity - hence independent of power supply.
- Operation without chemicals - hence more environmentally friendly and healthier.
Further product development C-MEM Zero
It is now also available with a downstreams active carbon unit as well as with a solar driven inlet pump.
By adsorption C-MEM Zero Active Carbon removes contamination from water which cannot be removed by filtration e.g. pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals etc.
C-MEM Zero Solar replaces the manual filling of the raw water tank by a solar driven pump and is therefore an additional user-friendly option of C-MEM Zero.
More information available from: [email protected]
www.aloaqua.co.nz + 64 3 2600589
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What is rainwater harvesting and how does it work?
Rainwater harvesting is the capture, storage and use of rainwater. Anybody can do it and it can be designed and customized to suit the needs of the user (potable water from rainwater for example).
There are several types of rainwater harvesting systems, the following three are the main ones:
In-situ rainwater harvesting refers to the capture of rainwater where it falls. This system is useful in agricultural production systems where micro-catchments are used. For example Zai Pits ( Wikipedia Zai-Pits).
Run-off catchment is another rainwater harvesting system. Rainwater running of surfaces is channeled through pipes or trenches and collected in storage structures like tanks, ponds, swales (Wikipedia Swale ) and dams, to be used at a later stage or for attenuation and/or infiltration.
Then there are roof catchment systems. These involve capturing rainwater from roof tops and storing it either above or below ground tanks made from plastic, concrete or metal.
Some facts:
- In New Zealand around 10% of the population depend on roof collected rainwater.
- ~ 18% of total water consumption is used for flushing the toilet (domestic).
- ~ 23% of total water consumption is used for the washing machine (domestic).
- ~ 41% ( probably more if you add garden irrigation and outdoor use) of total water consumption could be covered by rainwater
- ~ 27% of total water consumption is used for showering (domestic)
(Watercare)
- Average water consumption per person in New Zealand 227 liters / day (Learnz). Water consumption varies quite significantly between the regions (Queenstown Lakes District Council 416 liter/day)
Advantages of Rainwater Harvesting
1. Low-cost Maintenance
You really don’t need to invest much money to keep the systems going. Purifying the water is not necessary if you don’t intend to drink the water.
2. Lower Water Bills
You can use your collected rainwater for flushing toilets, washing your clothes, and watering the garden. This’ll help in keeping your water bills to a minimum. (Sample system)
3. Great for Irrigation
Rainwater is pure rainwater without any added chemicals into it so you can make sure that this is reliable for irrigation. (Sample System)
4. Reduces Ground Water Demand
As our population increases, so does the demand for water. In many areas, we are reliant on dams, rivers and aquifers for our water sources.
5. Reduces Soil Erosion and Floods
By collecting rainwater, you can minimize the likelihood of flooding around your home and reduce the load on the council stormwater system.
6. Multi-Purpose
You can use rainwater in flushing down toilets, washing your cars and motorcycles, and etc. (Sample System)
Disadvantages of Rainwater Harvesting
1. Unreliable Rainfall
Rain doesn’t fall every day making it hard for you to collect some daily. However, for example, Auckland and other part of the country does not suffer from this compared to other centers.
2. Starting Costs
If you choose to have a rain harvesting system, then the time to implement these systems is when you are building your home as the additional costs are recovered quicker. Allocating funds for a system installed in your home is money well spent and will add value to your home.
3. Chemical roof seepage
Some roof coatings may contain harmful chemicals so it is advisable to talk with one of our consultants first to ensure your roof meets the guidelines.
5. Storage limits
There is a practical limit to how much water you can store on your property and is often limited by your section size and appropriate locations for the tanks . Especially in winter, the rain captured will be greater than the capacity of the tank. Rainwater tanks have to be designed to deal with this situation and to release the excess water to the council stormwater system in accordance with council requirements.
Rainwater Harvesting is a win-win situation for building owners, councils and the environment.
We can give you advice what systems will suit your needs and what is involved.
www.aloaqua.co.nz / [email protected] / + 64 3 2600 589
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Water is the basis for the entire biosphere. Ponds, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and oceans are the habitat for myriad plants and animals and are a key component of the ecosystem. Groundwater is one of our main source of drinking water and a habitat. We use water for our food, daily hygiene, and recreational activities. Water also plays a key economic role as an energy source, transportation medium and raw material.
Efficient protection and conservation of water resources are crucially important for biodiversity and sustainable use.
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Rainwater Harvesting - replaces municipal water with clean , soft and free rainwater.
Greywater Reuse - slightly contaminated water from the bathroom (shower, tub, sink) and washing machine to reuse for toilet flushing, irrigation and cleaning purpose.
Non-potable water from Septic Tanks - recycling of run-off from a septic system for toilet flushing and irrigation.
Adiabatic Cooling - with rainwater much of the energy to cool buildings and cost for water softeners can be saved.
more info under: www.aloaqua.co.nz
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Rainwater Harvesting - utilize rainwater from the roof and store in tanks for use inside and outside the home.
Greywater Recycling - treat water from the bathroom (showers, baths and sink) to reuse for flushing toilets, the washing machine and irrigation. A well designed Greywater Recycling System can save up to 40% of potable water and also sewage - you use water twice!
Adopt Water Wise habits - change the way you use water and use efficient products and appliances.
- Look for water efficient units when you buy a new:
- Dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Toilets
- taps and shower heads
- Habits
- you'll save over 425 liter a month by spending 2 minutes less in the shower
- plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature
- a family of 4 can save 94 liters/ week by turning off the tap while brushing the teeth
- turn the water off while you shampoo and condition hair can save more than 180 liters a week
- run the dishwasher only when it is full
- don't use running water to thaw food
much more can be done in and around the hose to be more water efficient, just have a look at your water consumption and have a think about it.
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"Quakes reinforce need for emergency water supplies" MASSEY UNIVERSITY
Water shortage is now a major problem in the quake-affected towns along the Kaikoura coast, and while a small rainwater tank will provide drinking-water needs only, a larger harvesting and treatment rainwater tank could easily provide all of a households needs during an earthquake or other natural disaster.
The first truck to make it into Kaikoura after the 7.8M earthquake that struck on the 13th of November was a water-truck! Now making round-the-clock trips to replenish the town's water supply from the Kaikoura reservoir, which has been restored with only a very limited supply.
This should be a wake-up call for people in town centres who have become overly reliant on reticulated water supplies, who live on or near fault-lines, or who are facing contamination issues due to poor maintenance / pollution. Water is an absolute priority, and it is up to each household to ensure they are water secure.
It is easy to install and operate a safe rainwater utilisation system. While Dr. Stan About from the Roof Water Harvesting Centre notes that contamination can be a problem, we have reliable solutions to deal with this - without resorting to chemicals. Our organic membrane-filtration rainwater treatment system provides one of the safest bacteria-free solutions for rainwater harvesting and general water utilisation throughout your whole home.
Be resilient and self-sufficient! Have your own safe water supply.
Have you ever wondered whether or not it's safe to drink rain water? The short answer is: Yes!
Here's a look at when it's not safe to drink rain water, and what you can do to make it safer for human consumption.
When You Shouldn't Drink Rain Water
Rain passes through the atmosphere before falling to the ground, so it can pick up any contaminants in the air. Now most of NZ is pretty safe in regards to contaminants, but it's not a great idea to drink rain water falling near chemical plants or near the plumes of power plants, paper mills, etc.
Rain Water That Is Safe for Drinking
Most rain water is safe to drink. Actually, rain water is the water supply for much of the world's population and around 15 - 20% of New Zealander are relying on it.
The levels of pollution, pollen, mold, and other contaminants are low -- possibly lower than your public drinking water supply. Keep in mind, rain does pick up low levels of bacteria as well as dust and occasional insect parts, so you may want to treat rain water before drinking it.
Making Rain Water Safe
Roof
If you intend to build, select a roofing and gutter material that is neutral, non toxic and easy to clean. If you have an existing roof have a look at it and your gutter, a painted roof could leach out toxic components, asbestos is a no go. More info regarding roofs available from the following website: http://www.level.org.nz/water/water-supply/mains-or-rainwater/harvesting-rainwater/
Filtration and Water Treatment
We recommend to pre-filter the rainwater before it enters the tank. Leaves and coarse particles will be hold back, thus minimizing the build-up of sediment on the bottom of the tank. A calmed inlet to avoid that the incoming rainwater is disturbing the sediment is also a must.
PURAIN PR100 Rainwater Filter
A ultra filtration system treats the water further and ensures that the treated rainwater is safe for consumption.
AQUALOOP Water Treatment System
Eliminates 99.9999% of all bacteria and 99.7 of all viruses, 0.2 micron filter (0.0002mm), life expectancy 10 years.
The AQUALOOP System was tested by Rainwater Harvesting Centre at Massey University in Wellington. No e-coli and coliform passed the filter even with high amounts of them.
In general is it easy to make your rainwater potable, we have the right knowledge and gear for it. Having a system like this ensures that you have a water supply that is without chemicals, bacteria and available in emergency situations.
More info under:
https://aloaqua.co.nz/collections/rainwater-harvesting-systems
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Event is organized by the New Zealand Green Building Council.
More information:
Products Showcase & member drinks - Auckland
If you are an Architect, Designer, Specifier or Engineer you should come along to this FREE MEMBER EVENT for some drinks, nibbles and the opportunity to learn more about innovative products and services that are currently in the market.
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Christchurch’s rivers are the lowest they’ve been in several decades, records show.
Several of the city’s waterways dried up earlier this year, upsetting residents. Months later, some streams remain low and will likely dry up again next year if rain does not arrive.
Environment Canterbury’s (ECan) Christchurch-West Melton zone committee met with the Christchurch City Council on Tuesday to give a monthly report on its work in greater Christchurch.
Recordings from the headwaters of the Avon, Heathcote and Styx rivers showed they were at their lowest levels in 20 to 30 years, the committee said.
Tributaries such as the Waimairi and Wai-Iti streams near Fendalton dried up completely earlier this year. Water levels had dropped in the past, but not to the same extent.
The Christchurch-West Melton zone was one of the “luckier zones”, the committee said, as most of the inflow into the aquifer north-west of the city came from the Waimakariri River. The rest came from rainfall recharge.
ECan surface water science manager Tim Davie said last month’s rainfall levels were “well below” average in the city and groundwater was at a record low.
“To get the amount of groundwater recharge for streams not to dry up next summer we need a very wet late winter and spring.”
Fish and Game North Canterbury manager Rod Cullinane said his organisation was concerned about the low water levels and did not believe low rainfall was the issue.
“We are very much of the view that there’s got to be some link between what we’re seeing in the lack of water in the inner city streams and the irrigation draw off in inland Canterbury,” he said.
“We do not accept ECan’s reasoning that it is simply the result of a lack of rainfall.”
Cullinane, who is running in ECan’s election in October, said he wanted to know why the regional council did not take rainfall levels into account when granting water usage consents.
Climate changes had increased pressure on water supplies, but urbanisation and city water demand took the greatest toll on the city’s waterways, University of Canterbury professor Bryan Jenkins said.
“The more we take out for the Christchurch water supply, the less that will be in the Avon, Heathcote and Styx rivers.”
Jenkins said infrastructure such as roads and roofs prevented stormwater from infiltrating groundwater and recharging aquifers.
He suggested that for streams such as the Waimairi, local solutions could include changing the city’s approach to drainage infrastructure.
Older infrastructure sent stormwater to surface water, preventing recharge of the waterways.
He said caps or regulation on water usage needed to be put in place to decrease pressure on river headwaters.
“The drying reaches of the Waimairi and Wai-iti streams illustrate the complexity of our water resources and the need for both local and regional approaches to their management.”
– Stuff
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