Study examines the benefits of using rainwater to flush toilets

[NeoGreen]

https://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/study-examines-benefits-using-rainwater-flush-toilets.html

Study examines the benefits of using rainwater to flush toilets
Christine Lepisto, March 8, 2016

Rainwater collection - such a simple proposition, it would seem. Free water from the sky. Reduced demand for water treated to the quality of drinking water for purposes like flushing a toilet, or even gardening. Should that be the end of the discussion?

So why is rainwater collection so controversial, even illegal in some cases? There is a lot more to the proposition than first meets the eye.

Laws designed to protect people by ensuring clean water supplies may need to be reversed to enable people to collect and use rainwater, especially for domestic purposes like toilet flushing. And even if many homeowners set up a rainwater collection system for the occasional bit of gardening, only the extremist is willing to haul buckets of water in from the garden for use in their bathroom?

Getting the topic into the sphere of public discussion could be the first step to conceiving a sustainable infrastructure for the constructive use of rainwater. One topic in the conversation will have to be: is it even worth doing? Especially in cities, where population density means less roof space per toilet flush.

A recent study led by Dr. Franco Montalto, of Drexel’s College of Engineering, looks at this question. The team used a mathematical model, inputting climatic records and water mass balance calculations for four major cities (New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Seattle), to answer: Yes, a properly sized rainwater collection system could reduce potable water demand by 65%.

Pertinent:
https://www.treehugger.com/lawn-garden/harvest-rain-these-four-homemade-rain-barrels.html
http://drexel.edu/now/archive/2016/March/rainwater-recycling/
https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/harvest-and-flush-indoor-rainwater-recycling-proposed-in-california

[saidsimplesimon]

1. California has no state cisterns?

Why not?

[JayhawkSD]

3. A synonym for cistern is reservoir

and California has a vast network of them.

[MyOwnPeace]

2. If houses..............

can be built to utilize solar power to augment electricity needs, why can't rain water be collected and used to augment water needs?

I have 3 55-gallon barrels attached to my downspouts. I use that water to water my gardens and lawn all summer long. Saves on treated water and sewage bills.

I guess I should find other ways to make better use of it!