75 Gallon Grey Water Storage Tank

The tanks are now in the ground for the first permitted Gray Water Recycle and Rain water Harvesting  system in Contra Costa County.

This new construction custom home in Lafayette was ‘Dual-Plumbed’ from the very start.  Dual Plumbing refers to the system of installing separate pipes for gray water and black water within the building envelope.  The drain lines for the tubs and showers, lavatory sinks and laundry were installed parallel to the toilet and kitchen sink drains (black-water).  This is completely code compliant and does not need special permitting.

The home owner was very motivated for conscious construction and worked diligently with the architect, consultant, contractor and plumbing contractor to push for the permit for a gray water/ rain water system.  The permit has been approved, setting precedent for other systems in the Contra Costa County and, hopefully, surrounding areas.

Rain Water Storage Tanks (3500G)

This gray water system is beautifully designed to utilize the water drained from sinks and showers for landscape irrigation.  Grey water will be filtered and cleaned in a manufactured wetland which will use specially chosen plants to remove phosphates and nitrates. Soils and gravels will filter particles from the water which will be collected in an underground storage tank.  The gray water will be filtered with UV sterilzation before being pumped through the irrigation system.

Rain water will be collected in two 1700 gallon tanks, buried beneath the patio.  The rain water will be stored, filtered and then pumped into the house for toilet flushing and laundry use.

This Green Building Project also features radiant hydronic heating, recycled materials, LED lighting and conscious design.

Watch this space for more information as the project develops.