If you plan to pay the cost of a high-tech graywater treatment system, what could be better than purifying the water so cleanly you can use it again in your laundry?
The AquaLoop graywater filtration system by Ecovie is a miniature wastewater treatment facility in your yard. Unlike the other self-contained graywater recycling devices, the AquaLoop cleans water to the NSF 350 standard, making it safe enough to use in ordinary overhead lawn sprinkler systems. You can also store it for longer than 24 hours, which you would normally never do with graywater. It’s truly a remarkable device.
It works by aerating the water in the surge tank and filling it with small plastic pieces that host beneficial microbes. The microbes digest the impurities in the water, including skin cells and soap residue. A pre-filter traps hair and other debris and flushes it out through the sewer return pipe, minimizing maintenance.
This video explains how the Aqualoop works and demonstrates key points of installation, including pipe configuration under the house. It also shows how the remote actuator switch works:
The second video in the series shows the Aqualoop fully installed and operational. The storage tank is hooked up and outfitted with a float switch, and the distribution pump is in place:
Everything else is off the shelf
As you see in the second video above, the AquaLoop works with the same irrigation controller and parts you normally use in your yard. No special computerized controller or software is needed. You can even use the same standard emitter tubing you’d otherwise use, without risking clogs.
AquaLoop System Maintenance
The AquaLoop benefits from an annual filter cleaning. You can do it yourself, or you can subscribe to a service contract. It looks like this:
Check for local incentives
Because all-in-one graywater treatment systems are expensive, it’s a good idea to investigate options for incentives from your local jurisdictions. More cities, states, and local water districts are joining the effort to address the growing problem of extended drought. You may wind up qualifying for a healthy refund.
Our Legal page offers tips on how to get started. The main point is to take this step first, before doing any digging.
Always use biocompatible soaps!
It’s important to use biocompatible soaps in this graywater filter system for yet one more reason. Not only do you want to protect the soil food web in your yard (see Dr. Elaine Ingham on the Soil Food Web), but you also need to make sure you aren’t damaging the beneficial microbes that are the reason you bought this machine in the first place. Make sure to spend some quality time on our Soaps page to get the lowdown.