Joya: new grey water reclamation system / pt. one

Greywater is lightly used household water from showers, baths, hand basins, and washing machines (not toilets). Greywater reclamation captures, treats, and reuses this water—typically for irrigation —reducing mains demand and wastewater discharge.

1. Surface layer

Wood chip mulch covers the basin.

Purpose:

Prevents exposed greywater (odour, insects, health risk)

Feeds soil microbes and fungi

Slows evaporation

Over time, the woodchips decompose into soil, increasing organic matter.

2. Infiltration / treatment zone

Greywater enters horizontally (from the right).

Water spreads laterally through:

Woodchip-rich soil

Root zones of woody perennials

This zone is labelled:

“Biologically active soil cleans the water”

Meaning:

Microbes, fungi, and plant roots break down soaps, fats, and organic residues.

This is classic aerobic biofiltration, not mechanical filtration.

3. Central vertical structure

A perforated vertical column (likely a distribution or inspection pipe).

Covered at the top so:

No open greywater

Access for maintenance if needed

Function:

Evenly distributes incoming water

Prevents surface pooling

Allows oxygen exchange (critical for aerobic bacteria)

4. Base layer

Gravel support at the bottom.

Purpose:

Prevents clogging

Ensures even drainage

Acts as a structural and hydraulic buffer

5. Plant integration

Woody perennials planted on either side.

Their roots:

Actively uptake nutrients

Stabilise soil

Extend the treatment zone outward

This turns waste water into productive irrigation.

pit excavation:

to a depth of three meters into rocky limestone a marl

installing the vertical column

this is a perforated concrete tube and collection basin

ready for organic material

concrete vertical structure is tapped of with a cone lidded and embedded in gravel. the grey water waste pipe is connected.

adding organic material

looks untidy at t his stage but needs time to settle in.