Water is an essential resource, and its significance is growing with the global populationincrease. Historically, Sweden has had ample supplies of clean water, but futurechallenges in drinking water availability cannot be ruled out. To conserve the availabledrinking water, several approaches are possible, one of which is greywater recycling.Greywater refers to wastewater from baths, dishwashing, and laundry. This usedgreywater can be purified and then reused as flush water for toilets.
The purpose of this report is to investigate whether a greywater recycling system isfeasible to implement in an existing building, what investments are required, and whatsavings can be achieved. A greywater recycling system is designed, and a comparison ismade between a technical solution in an existing building versus a new building.Additionally, the potential of greywater recycling and the challenges involved areanalyzed.
In this work, a case study was conducted where a hotel building was analyzed. Theexisting hotel building served as the basis for the design of a greywater recycling systemin both the existing structure and in a theoretical new construction. Calculations of waterflows and pipe sizing formed the basis for the design of the greywater recycling system.Throughout the work, a literature review was conducted to expand the understanding ofthe subject. Furthermore, information was gathered from experts to investigate thegeneral possibilities and challenges of greywater recycling.
The results show that a greywater recycling system is designed the same way in anexisting building as in new construction. However, extensive measures are required in anexisting building when implementing a greywater system, which leads to it not beingoptimally feasible from an economic and sustainable perspective. Preliminary costestimates show that there is a significant economic difference between implementing asystem for recycling greywater in an existing building versus in a new construction. Themost commonly used purification system for greywater is a biological purificationprocess with filtration, which is also proposed in the designed system.
The analysis shows that there is potential for water savings through the recycling ofgreywater for toilet flushing, a method that is not only feasible but also aligns with theUN's goals for sustainable cities and communities. Currently, economic gain is difficult toachieve in a greywater recycling system. Installation and operational costs exceed theeconomic savings of water due to the current low water prices. However, potential futureincreases in water prices could mean that systems with greywater recycling could becomeeconomically advantageous. It is therefore important to continue developing thetechnology and the current laws and regulations concerning greywater recycling, tobroaden the possibilities for the use of recycled greywater.