In 2022, we are in the midst of many political, ecological, and epidemiological crises. The many threats facing our species can leave us feeling a bit numb when formulating solutions that can effectively combat these various threats.

The overwhelming nature of the challenges ahead can make it difficult to see any short-term solutions that might have a positive impact. However, some of the problems facing us have clear and actionable solutions that we can implement today. One of these problems is water scarcity. 

Water scarcity is a problem already impacting North America. A recent look at headlines regarding the Colorado River and massive droughts in the American southwest tells you everything you need to know. 

One of the ways home builders and designers can help avert the worst of the water scarcity crisis in North America is by integrating green plumbing solutions into their designs. But what, exactly, does green plumbing look like?

What is Green Plumbing?

‘Green plumbing’ is a catch-all phrase that refers to the practices, products, and equipment that aim to conserve water, conserve energy, reduce hazardous materials, and reduce pollutants in the water supply. 

There are various green plumbing initiatives you may have encountered already. Toilets with an eco-flush option or waterless urinals are examples of green plumbing that have seen wider adoption in recent years. But there are many more ways to incorporate green plumbing into your conservation plan. Here are some green plumbing solutions you may not be familiar with:

Examples of Green Plumbing

When designing or renovating a home, architects and designers should consider implementing these green plumbing options into their plans.

Composting Toilets

Compositing toilets aim to convert human waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. Unlike regular flushing toilets, they do not rely on potable water to move human waste and use little to no water at all, depending on the type of composting toilet. 

This green plumbing option drastically reduces water pollution, involves little to no water use, and helps return essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous back into the biosphere. Energy and water are also saved by not transporting black water and human waste to a waste treatment facility. 

Because of these benefits, composting toilets are one of the most effective green options available.

Why Aren’t We Seeing More Composting Toilets?

Composting toilets do have a drawback—they don’t function properly when overloaded. This makes composting toilets hard to scale up in larger buildings and urban areas where foot traffic is heavier, and the population is denser. 

Most composting toilets are installed in cabins, campsites, green homes, eco-friendly science centers, areas that lack a sewer system, and other facilities that strive to be ‘closer to nature.’

Polypropylene Piping

Piping materials can significantly impact the environment in several ways direct and indirect ways. Therefore, there are a few considerations designers need to take into account when choosing piping materials for their construction projects. 

1. Are the materials considered safe? Some materials like metal pipes or pipes made from certain plastics can leech harmful chemicals into the environment, contaminating the soil and groundwater around the piping.

2. Are the materials recyclable? Several plastic piping materials aren’t recyclable, making them a less green choice. 

3. Designers should consider the energy used to produce the materials. Some metal pipes—like copper piping—require a large amount of energy to produce.

Compared to other piping materials made from metals and plastics, polypropylene piping has many green advantages over its competition. First, unlike PEX piping, it is entirely recyclable. Though less flexible than other plastic competitors, it is the lowest in toxicity and is unlikely to leech harmful chemicals into the surrounding environment.

Greywater Recycling Systems

Greywater refers to any non-fecal wastewater produced at a residential, commercial, or industrial property. This includes sink water, shower water, water from the clothes washer, and the dishwasher, but it does not include water from toilets or water contaminated with harmful chemicals due to industrial processes. 

To reduce the strain on waste treatment plants and the municipal water supply, greywater can be recycled and collected on-site to be used again to flush toilets and irrigate properties. These systems should be considered in areas where water is scarce or where population density is high.

Rainwater Catchment and Storage

Rainwater is a great water resource that can reduce the strain on the municipal water supply. The water can be treated on-site and made potable or be used in non-consumption-related tasks like flushing waste and irrigation. 

Rainwater catchment and storage systems can easily be built into new constructions or installed into existing infrastructure. This option can help cities and other high-density areas create green spaces by reusing and recycling water effectively.

‘Green’ Faucets and Showerheads

The average shower uses a total of 20 gallons of water—2.5 gallons per minute! Green home designers should aim to reduce that number to help reduce water use. There are several ways to do this, ranging from shorter showers to replacing the showerhead. 1.75 gallons per minute (instead of 2.5) is an excellent metric to aim for when considering green showerheads. 

Likewise, with faucets, green options are available that help to reduce the amount of water used at the sink. Designers can install flow limiters to bring the flow down to 1 gallon per minute. Some green faucets have aerators built in to inject air into the stream, adding the illusion of volume to the flow. There are also manual controls for pumping out water, like foot pumps or timed press faucets.

Implement Green Plumbing Concepts Into Your Next Project

There are many ways to implement green plumbing into your next home building or design project. Check out our collection of over 500,000 free CAD drawings and find plans that exhibit green building and plumbing solutions.

Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She writes for All American Plumbing, a company specializing in plumbing and AC repair in Cherry Hill, NJ.

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