(E - mail: kambanel)

S. C. KAMBANELLAS, BEng, MSc, Mechanical Engineer

Abstract
From 1997 onwards, the Government has decided, in parallel with new projects, the implementation of water conservation measures at household level (Onsite wastewater treatment and recycling). Over 50% of the domestic water demand could be met by water of a lower grade quality, such as processed water. Saving water from the existing domestic water supply systems has exactly the same results as water supplied from new water supply schemes. As a practical measure, to save drinking water, a scheme has been put into practice, for subsidizing the recycling of "grey water" for irrigation and/or for operating the WC`s in households or buildings. With this practical measure there is a conservation of drinking water from 35% - 40% of the per capita water consumption. Recycling of grey water started on an experimental basis in 1997 and continued right through 1998, by the Water Development Department. The advantage of recycling grey water, in comparison with recycling treated sewage effluents, is that this done in the building/household itself. Hence, this water is used again, either for the irrigation of the garden or for the flushing of the toilets of the same building/household. In this way, true saving of drinking water is accomplished, at residential areas.