Sullage is a term used to describe wastewater that arises as a byproduct of daily human activities such as showering, washing dishes, and doing the laundry. It’s also commonly referred to as gray water. Much of this gray water can be recycled and reintroduced into the environment instead of just being disposed of. Environmental experts have claimed that reusing gray water will have a great beneficial impact on fresh water supply over time.
Wastewater is an umbrella term used to describe all liquid wastes, treated and untreated. The term can be further broken down into the two categories of sullage, better known as gray water, and effluent, better known as black water. Sullage, or gray water, is a mixture of water, soap, detergent, bleach, dirt, and other compounds discarded after use. Effluent, or black water, is a mixture of water and sewage undergoing a treatment process. In other words, sullage is any leftover water from use in the home except for the toilet.
It’s estimated that up to 80 percent of all household wastewater is sullage. Many see this as a waste of water that could potentially be reused. Ecological experts claim reusing wastewater is not only better for the environment, but will also be vital in solving the planet’s predicted water shortages. By reusing it, the population can lower the consumption of fresh water, replace vital nutrients in the soil, promote plant growth, and lower the amount of chemicals used in treatment plants.
Many individuals are concerned with the safety of reusing sullage, but in the U.S. alone, millions of gray water systems have been used without reports of illness. In fact, many experts claim that sullage reintroduced into the natural environment is cleaner than any water treated through chemical plants. This is because the ground’s topsoil naturally cleans and purifies the water much better than any man-made invention. The nutrients left behind from the gray water stay in the topsoil and provide nourishment for plant matter.
It’s important to note that sullage is only able to be safely recycled within 24 hours. After that, bacteria in the water will grow and become a health hazard. It’s also important to make sure that biodegradable soaps and detergents are used by those planning to reuse water. Introducing chemicals into the environment can pose an ecological hazard. For safety, a gray water system should be set up properly and be working correctly before water is reused.