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Greywater Research
Exploring greywater technology to help shape sustainable growth
We're running a pilot program with Activa and Hydraloop to see how much water greywater reuse can save.
We've installed a Hydraloop 300 system in four newly-built Activa homes. Each greywater system redirects used shower and bath water for treatment. Treated water is then used to flush toilets. Reusing greywater can help save money and conserve our shared drinking water resources.
“This pilot program is the first of its kind in North America,” said Water Programs Supervisor Dan Meagher. “The Region of Waterloo has been a leader and innovator in water conservation for decades. We’re proud to break new ground again by launching this new research program.”
Water savings data from each of the Hydraloop systems will be collected for two years to see how well this technology performs. The results will help inform the Region's Water Supply Strategy Update.
Participation is currently limited to the four homes in Activa's Trussler West community.
How does the greywater system work?
Hydraloop's compact system is set up to collect, treat and reuse water from showering and bathing. It uses a multi-stage process to clean water without filters, membranes or chemicals.
Note: For the pilot program, the system uses treated water to flush toilets in each home. There will be no cost to the homeowner for any water used to flush toilets while the system is running.
The Hydraloop process
Collection: Greywater is directed to the Hydraloop unit from shower and bathtub drains.
Treatment: Greywater is treated using a six-step process.
- Sedimentation
- Floatation
- Dissolved air floatation
- Foam fractionation
- Aerobic bioreactor
- UV disinfection
Reuse: Treated water is stored in the unit, then gets reused for toilet flushing.
Monitoring: The system connects to the internet for online monitoring and maintenance.
Benefits for pilot program participants
- Once activated, the system runs on its own.
- No cost for installation or annual maintenance.
- Reduced water and energy use can lower utility bills.
- A smartphone app lets you track water use and re-use.
- Conserving drinking water reduces strain on local water and wastewater systems.
- Less demand on local groundwater and surface water sources.
- Research helps shape future water conservation efforts in the region.
Email the Water Programs team to learn more about the pilot program
For current pilot program participants
How do you set up your greywater system
How soon can participants start reusing greywater?
There is a 21-day startup period. After that, the system switches from using back-up water to recycled water.
How will the Region use collected data from the Hydraloop system?
The Region will only use the data to measure how much water the unit is using. We won't share it or use it for anything else.
