Gray Water Composition

• Gray water is domestic, lightly contaminated yet reusable water. Gray water contains pollutants and contaminants, microorganisms and organic food for microorganisms that affect the water's future use. Some homes around the world utilize in-home filtration units, and gray water is immediately reusable for non-food preparation functions, such as watering the lawn or washing cars. Industrialized countries use centralized water treatment plants to prepare the water for reuse.
  
  

Gray Water Hazards

• Gray water contamination poses a number of health and environmental hazards if used without discreet monitoring. The pollutants are microorganisms, and can cause minor human sickness and health issues. Gray water can back up during heavy rains to contaminate a home or business. If left untreated, the chemicals, fungal and bacterial agents will turn gray water into black water within a span of 48 hours, creating significant health hazards. Gray water can also contaminate surrounding groundwater or potable water sources.
  
  

Gray Water Contaminants

• Gray water contaminants are pathogenic agents and unsanitary sewage residue rrom toilet back flows and organic matter from pesticides and metal residue; the toxic substances threaten health and safety of humans and other animals. Gray water is often exposed to contamination due to broken water supply lines, broken toilet tanks, or if a water pumping station fails. Chemical and biological contamination also results from untreated discharge from dishwashers, washing machines, or septic tank backup that pools, or leaches into the water table.
  
  

Purification Solutions

• Gray water can be purified and reused in household water supply systems. If an area is contaminated with gray water, the liquid should be removed immediately. Removal of stagnant water helps speed the restoration process and prevents complication by unwanted bacterial growth. Gray water should be removed immediately by any of the following procedures: commercial wet vacuuming apparatus to remove excess water; areas can be dried via evaporation through the use of commercial floor fans and high volume air-moving equipment; dehumidifiers are also helpful to remove high levels of humidity from the air.