January, 2016
Pradeep Krishnamurthy, built the house aiming to have maximum light and ventilation by using local materials. He used Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks (CSEBs) that were handmade and sun-dried for at least 30 days. Over 15,000 bricks were made on-site in two weeks, the house is cool in the summers and warm in the winters.
He recycles 500 Litres of greywater through the rejuWATER® wastewater treatment plant set up by Riteways in the house premises. The only water going out of the house is from the toilet. The used water from the bathroom, kitchen, hand wash, washing machine and utensils is recycled by a natural water filtration system using plants. The recycled water is used in gardening, toilet flushing and outdoor usage. The family uses cold process soaps for bathing and washing, they claim they have reduced their daily freshwater consumption from the civic body by 50 per cent.
This is truly commendable! The approach taken by Pradeep and his family aligns with modern sustainability principles and showcases how each household can make a significant impact on the environment.
Water scarcity is a growing concern worldwide, especially in densely populated areas like Bengaluru, where demand often outpaces supply. The fact that Pradeep’s family recycles about 500 litres of water daily is a testament to the potential of decentralized water recycling systems.
Decentralized Water Recycling - A Sustainable Approach
1. Understanding the Issue:
In many cities, freshwater sources are depleting at an alarming rate. Coupled with unpredictable rainfall patterns and burgeoning populations, this has led to water shortages. In places like Bengaluru, where lakes once flourished, rapid urbanization has resulted in many of them being polluted or disappearing altogether.
2. Decentralized Vs. Centralized Systems:
Most urban areas depend on centralized water treatment plants that treat large quantities of wastewater and then distribute it. However, the infrastructure required for such massive operations is often expensive, demands vast land areas, and is not always efficient in terms of energy use and water loss. In contrast, decentralized systems, like the one Pradeep uses, treat wastewater at or near the source of generation. This ensures minimal transportation, which in turn reduces costs, infrastructure needs, and water loss.
3. Environmental Impact:
The environmental benefits of decentralized systems are numerous. By recycling water, there's less demand on freshwater sources. Fewer chemicals are needed to treat the water, and since the water doesn't have to be transported long distances, there's a reduction in energy consumption. Plus, using plants in the filtration process not only cleans the water but also helps in carbon sequestration, improving air quality.
4. Economic Benefits:
For homeowners, decentralized systems might require an initial investment, but the long-term savings are significant. With a 50% reduction in water consumption from civic bodies, as seen in Pradeep’s case, the monthly water bill reduces substantially. Plus, by relying less on public utilities, homeowners can be insulated from potential price hikes or water rationing in times of shortages.
5. Health and Well-being:
Natural filtration systems using plants are known to improve water quality by removing harmful pathogens and pollutants. Moreover, these systems often promote local biodiversity, creating a habitat for beneficial insects and microorganisms.
6. Role of Cold Process Soaps:
Traditional soaps and detergents often contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. They can affect the pH of water, making it harder to treat and damaging to aquatic life. Cold process soaps, on the other hand, are made without the need for external heat and often use natural ingredients. This means they're gentler on the environment, and their residue doesn't interfere with the water recycling process.
7. The Future:
With increasing awareness of the importance of water conservation, it's hopeful that more households will adopt decentralized systems. Such efforts not only address immediate water concerns but also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, decentralized water recycling systems, like the one implemented by Pradeep and his family, are a beacon of hope in our fight against water scarcity. They are economical, sustainable, and efficient. By taking such proactive steps at the household level, we can collectively pave the way for a more sustainable future. Stories like Pradeep’s can serve as excellent real-life examples, highlighting the practicality and benefits of adopting rejuWATER® wastewater recycling systems.