By Clint Elston

The toilet and dishwasher produce the highest quantity of pollution and consume 26% of the total household daily use of water. Perhaps having a better understanding of what is considered “useless” water could reduce water usage.

In most instances, historically and in existing plumbing regulations, plumbing systems combine all of those water uses into one single piped “commingled” scenario, either into a septic and/or sewer sewage treatment system. It then tries to get rid of the toxic sludge created in those processes and then discharges the “acceptably” treated “wastewater” back into the environment because it is considered useless! 

A 1975 Organic Gardening and Farming magazine article featured a Clivus Multrum composting toilet system, invented in Sweden back in 1947, which could reduce water consumption and “naturally'' treat and convert organics from the toilet and dishwasher into “reusable” soil amendments. Based upon that information, the education into the “separation” of the toilet and dishwasher water began with the purchase of a Clivus Multrum composting system in Colorado, USA in 1976.

The separation of those two entities of water consumption and the majority of the combined wastewater pollution divided into two distinctly separate plumbing piping systems. Blackwater for the dishwasher and toilet wastewater. Greywater for all of the remaining wastewater using entities.

New separation technologies for blackwater and greywater began in the 1980s. Newer words for “alternative” and “experimental” were being introduced into the vocabulary of the construction industry and regulatory agencies. 

After following the rules for acceptance through the accredited testing protocols, patents, proof of concept and investments in manufacturing price reductions, those years of education and experience have now provided for the ability to produce totally automated composting/vermiculture and greywater treatment. The recycling technologies utilizing recycled plastic materials and components in worldwide cooperative operations are changing the way one flush at a time. 

Pura Vida!

Editor's note: Any inquiries about Green Construction? Ask Clint Elston by emailing  humanendeavors762@gmail.com or calling (506) 8735-8343.

The views or opinions expressed by the author are his sole and exclusive responsibility and do not necessarily represent the opinion of A.M. Costa Rica.