simple filter for grey water?

Question

I was thinking I would like to purchase a small lot of land in a remote area of vermont.

I wanted to dig a well into the aquifer to get my water. Now, I was thinking if I had a trailer and I had some grey water that needed dumping, that if I dumped it on the land it would send those pollutants into the ground/aquifer and contaminate the water that I get from my well,
so I ask, is there a way I could dig a hole in the ground and add layers of sand, charcoal, etc. and make a simple, natural filter for the grey water so as not to pollute the aqufier? and ideas or suggestions?

Answer 1

Best I can think of as a sullage filter would depend on having a lot more depth to your aquifer, or enough surface land to build a wetland treatment plant. You would need a couple engineers to develop it, but depending on local and state ordnances, might fill your need. Again, it would require a good amount of land, because you would place a barrier under the wetland to the point of outfall (your local municipality, county, or state might require regular testing at the outfall).



Another option would be to switch to chemicals that are designed for graywater systems and can be directly dumped.

Answer 2

I like the switch to biodegradable products more than I like the idea of a filter. With a filter you still have the problem of disposing of or cleaning the filter after it holds too much chemicals or debris to be useful. To that end I might make such a filter above ground with perhaps a leech field. You might also consider something like an aerobic septic tank (most are anaerobic) Along those same lines something could be done with a composting toilet. The amount of your usage will help to determine the amount of trouble you will go through.



With respect to your water supply you should have it tested regardless of existing conditions. You might be in the middle of the woods but you really don't know where that aquifer has been or who has dumped what further upstream.



In general try to think in terms of a systems approach. Take what you need return as good or better than what you took, allowing for a reasonable amount of time, and you should be fine.

Answer 3

Using grey water is a great way to save fresh water. Today when fresh water levels in many parts of the world have dropped alarmingly, the need to spread awareness on water conservation has grown in importance. And grey water is definitely a good way to conserve water. In fact, here are some more tips on how to save water that might be useful - http://www.bewaterwise.com/tips01.html .