Introduction

Water conservation is essential in today’s world as it is becoming scarce every day. One of the ways to conserve water is by reusing shower greywater. Greywater is wastewater from household activities such as showering, washing dishes, and laundry. This article focuses on how to use shower greywater for plants and its benefits.

Types of Greywater

Greywater falls into two main categories, namely blackwater and greywater. Blackwater is wastewater from toilet use where it contains human waste, urine, and other debris. Greywater refers to wastewater from all other appliances within the house such as washing machines, sinks, showers, and tubs. It is important to note that greywater should not include any waste from kitchens or dishwashers as this type of wastewater contains harmful bacterias and chemicals that are harmful to plants.

Collecting and Filtering Greywater

The first step in using shower greywater is collecting it after taking a shower. There are various methods to collecting greywater such as using a bucket, basin or investing in a greywater system. After collecting, the water should be filtered to remove hair, soap, and any other debris that may harm the plants. However, note that the water should not be stored for more than 24 hours as this leads to the growth of bacteria and odor.

Benefits of Using Greywater for Plants

Using shower greywater for plants has many benefits, the primary one being water conservation. Greywater is an excellent source of nutrients for plants as it contains essential elements such as phosphorus and nitrogen which are useful for plant growth. Using greywater also reduces the use of fertilizers and pesticides; therefore, creating a healthy ecosystem. Additionally, using greywater saves on water bills, reduces the energy used in water treatment plants and also reduces the amount of wastewater discharged into the environment.

How to Use Greywater for Plants

After collecting and filtering the shower greywater, it is essential to apply it wisely to the plants. The first thing to note is that greywater should be used on plants that are not meant for human consumption such as flowers, trees, and ornamental plants. It is not recommended to use greywater in vegetable gardens or fruit farms as it can lead to diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and E.coli. Additionally, do not use greywater on plants that are salt-sensitive, such as azaleas and ficus plants as greywater contains high levels of salt.

When watering the plants, it is best to use a watering can or hose to apply the water slowly to avoid overwatering. Additionally, do not water the plants with greywater during times of heavy rainfall, as this may cause unnecessary waterlogging. It is also advisable to rotate the use of greywater to different sections of the garden to avoid the accumulation of salt and other chemicals that may harm the plants.

Conclusion

Using shower greywater for plants is an innovative way to conserve water and create a sustainable environment. It is essential to collect and filter the greywater before applying it to the plants to avoid any health hazards. Moreover, greywater should be used on non-edible plants and rotated to avoid the accumulation of harmful chemicals. In summary, reusing greywater for plants is an excellent way to conserve water and create a sustainable ecosystem.