Natural Waste Water Treatment
We recycle water that comes out of our toilets with a new type of green technology. We call it a Living Machine.
Sewage, and stuff that’s gone down the sink in our restaurant, is pumped into a big underground tank. Whilst the solid sewage drops to the bottom of the septic tank, the watery top is pumped down toa big pond in our Energy Zone.
How does this work?
Here, tiny creatures eat the nasty bits. These bacteria need lots of oxygen – so we pump air across the gravelly floor. This fairly new technology is called ‘forced bed aeration’.
Tall reeds help control water flow. Bacteria also attach themselves to reed roots – so increasing bacteria numbers.
Where does all the water end up?
It waters trees in a nearby field. These will end up fuelling our biomass boiler.
If you’d like to know more, the company that installed this new technology here is called ARM Group Ltd. Have a look at their case study on the power consumption of this reed bed.
Here’s a few tips for you to do at home………….
- Using strong bleaches in our sinks and toilets not only kills germs but all other aquatic life as well. There are ‘greener’ alternatives to the well-known brand names of washing powders and washing up liquids.
- Toilets use about 30% of the total water used in a household. Putting a water hog in your cistern will save up to 2 litres of water per flush. You should be able to get these from your water supplier or you could just fill a plastic water bottle with water and place it in your cistern.
- Use greener alternatives to clean your home – its healthier for you as well as the planet!!
- Turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth – you can save about 3 litres of water.