Toilets: Then and Now, Part 14, New Re-usable Water System

Vegetation recycling water system developed

• British scientists have developed a rooftop vegetation recycling system that allows water to be used twice before being discarded.
• The Green Roof Water Recycling System uses semi-aquatic plants to treat waste washing water, which can then be reused for activities such as flushing toilets.
• So-called "grey water" from washbasins, baths, and showers is pumped up to the rooftop system, which consists of an inclined framework of interconnected horizontal troughs.
• Planted in the troughs are specially chosen plants.
• Dissolved pollutants in the water are taken up by the plants' roots, leaving "green water", or non-drinkable water.
• The scientists say such water can then be dyed with a vegetable color to signal its non-potable status, or it can be used to flush toilets or water a garden.
• The researchers hope to market their invention during the second half of 2006.