Learn to implement safe greywater reuse systems for Chilean households. Understand legal compliance with Law 21.075, DIY laundry-to-garden irrigation, and water conservation strategies.
Chile's 2018 greywater reuse law regulates collection, treatment, and disposal. Supreme Decree 40/2022 sets basic sanitary conditions. Permitted uses: urban irrigation, recreational areas, ornamental gardens. Prohibited: human contact, food crops, potable applications. Inside-building treatment required for indoor reuse.
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Divert washing machine drain from sewer to irrigation system using a simple valve. Install 1-inch main line with 1/2-inch outlets to landscape beds. Use washers without bleach or fabric softener. Apply water below ground level to root zones. Label all connections clearly. Maintain regular system checks.
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Bathroom sources (showers, sinks) have lower solids and organic loads than laundry. Kitchen greywater contains high fats, oils, and food particles - generally avoid for reuse. Laundry water includes surfactants and potential lint. Pre-treatment through screening and settling improves all greywater sources before irrigation use.
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Install screens to catch lint and large particles. Use settling tanks to allow sediments to accumulate. Filter through cloth or sand before distribution. Maintain regular cleaning of screens and settling areas. Consider surge tanks to handle peak flows during laundry cycles. Keep systems accessible for maintenance.
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Indoor greywater reuse for toilet flushing requires dual plumbing and backflow prevention. Install inside-building treatment systems as mandated by Chilean regulations. Clearly label all greywater pipes with purple coloring. Include shut-off valves and emergency connections to potable water. Comply with local plumbing codes and obtain necessary permits.
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Choose biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents for greywater systems. Avoid products with chlorine bleach, boron, or high sodium content. Use natural cleaning products when possible. Read labels carefully - many "eco-friendly" products still contain chemicals harmful to plants and soil. Consider switching to soap nuts or Castile soap.
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Install subsurface drip lines 6-12 inches below soil surface to deliver greywater directly to root zones. Use pressure-compensating emitters for even distribution. Install shut-off valves for system control. Include overflow connections to sewer for system maintenance. This method prevents surface ponding and reduces evaporation.
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For indoor reuse or areas with stricter requirements, consider advanced treatment: sand filters, media filters, or compact treatment units. UV disinfection may be required for indoor applications. Regular testing of treated water ensures system effectiveness. Coordinate with local authorities on treatment standards for your specific use case.
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Northern Chile: minimize storage due to high evaporation; focus on immediate use systems. Central Chile: implement seasonal storage for winter rainfall irrigation. Southern regions: account for high rainfall and potential oversaturation. All regions: design for Chile's multi-hazard environment including earthquakes and droughts.
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