SEWAGE WATER RECYCLING SYSTEM

There are two different outlets for our wastewater. One for sewage (toilets) and another for grey water (kitchen and shower). The sewage runs into the septic tank first, before going through the "digester" (see picture) and reaching the first pond.

RAINWATER-COLLECTION

This is where the first treatment stage begins, using floating plants. The pond is surrounded by aquatic plants that also help to remove organic matter from the water. A pair of moorhens has been living there for the last few years.

The grey water passes through a filter first, where it undergoes an initial treatment to remove grease and soap. The filter consists of a humus-filled receptacle with worms, which is changed every 6 months. We compost the organic matter and the worms provide a welcome source of proteins for our hens.

Before reaching the pools in the second treatment stage, the sewage joins the grey water and they pass through several pools filled with different layers of stones and sand, which are planted with aquatic plants, the roots of which remove organic matter from the water.

Finally, the treated water ends up in the last pond, where it is stored for us to use for watering our garden. This biotope is full of wildlife, with frogs, dragonflies and birds. To prevent mosquitoes from proliferating there, we have introduced a species of mall local fish called "Gambusia".