My water & $$ savings as a Greywater Guerilla
As most friends know, I’m the Fuhrer of my own personal 1-man water gestapo. Back in September ‘09 I installed a greywater system comprised of a 3-way diverter valve that lets me direct laundry water to a 55-gallon holding tank. A rock filter removes the lint, and a portable pump lets me hand-water my plants while enjoying the outdoors. With some basic handyman skills and a regular laundry and watering schedule, I was able to get both my front and backyard off the tap for good!
I did some quick math of my savings to date, which I have found both amazing and depressing:
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Since introducing greywater, average usage has dropped to 9.25 units every 60 days, or 3,460 gal/month. Savings has increased in recent months because I have started irrigating both the front and back yards. 100% of my plants are off the tap!
Savings to date: 17,204 gallons, or 23 units. @ $1.45 a unit, I have saved a whopping $33.45
$33.45 is over 8 months. Pro-rated for 12 months yields an annual savings of $51.75 a year
Total cost of greywater system: $265 :’-(
Payback period: 5.12 years :’-(
Exclusions: Varying water fees that are most likely to increase in the future. Maintenance costs (minimal) and pump rebuild every 1-2 years. Pump replacement every 5-6 years. Potential for vegetation health issues from prolonged greywater usage. Additional cost of required eco-detergent.
Needless to say, a greywater guerilla is motivated by his love for mother Earth and not his wallet!!!
