Identifying the problem:
Following much discussion of the sustainable use of water in the rainwater collection of a typical Mikveh (Jewish immersion pool), the logical next step seemed to be to give some thought to the general issue of the wastage of water and the gravity of the problem.
This research lead me to several headlines which regarded the problem as much more prominent than most of the population probably are aware: England is set to run out of water in just 25 years.
The BBC reported that the ‘impact of climate change, combined with population growth, means the country is facing an “existential threat”’, with the chief executive of the Environment Agency stating that in around 20-25 years, ‘England would reach the “jaws of death - the point at which, unless we take action to change things, we will not have enough water to supply our needs’.
The problem - a combination of the rise in population and potentially shrinking water supply by 2040 - requires controversial plans for reservoirs, if it is impossible to persuade consumers and firms to use (and more importantly waste) less water. With water scarcity affecting more than 40% of the world’s population, it is crucial to undertake new ways of collecting, processing and recycling water within the buildings we inhabit on a daily basis.
Considering Solutions:
Ways to reduce water use and wastage within a buildings design can include the following cycle:
Rainwater Harvesting
Treatment of Rainwater
Potable water used for kitchen use, drinking water, and shower/bathing use
Grey Water Collection
Use of Grey Water for toilets
Collection of Waste Water
Process through a Living Maching
Non-potable Collection
Use of Grey Water for toilets
Process through a Living Machine
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