Residential Graywater Design + Installation

Project: Harvest LIFE Project, Marina California

Progress Report: Wednesday & Thursday Field Work

Myself and my crew are in the middle stage of implementing our current graywater manifestation in Marina California. Because our client is moving in to their newly renovated and retrofitted home this weekend, we have been working simultaneously on both the Laundry to Landscape and Cistern w/ Effluent Pump system in the front and back yard so they can utilize their washer, two showers and two sinks as soon as they move in. (These are the water fixtures that are tied to the graywater systems.) The entire plumbing of the house has been retrofitted to accomodate these fixtures. The only fixtures that are not tied in to the graywater system is the kitchen sink and toilets.


We have excavated the earth (predominantly fine sand (sand dune)) beneath one foot of top soil, organic matter and roots that have accumulated over the years from a neighboring Monterey Cypress and Coast Live Oak tree along with the previous owners trees that were on site and since removed and ground down to mulch which we will use. We will be replacing these ornamental trees with more beneficial and multi-functioning species that will be key positioned to absorb graywater in a highly effective manner, provide edible fruit, coastal native habitat and protection from seasonal coastal winds and summer sun rays.




Picture Above & Below:
Back Yard Constructed Wetland + Marsh Drain Field
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

KEY FEATURES:

1. The main overflow basin for the 1500 gallon cistern
2. A catch basin for (3) Infiltration Chambers for graywater being pumped through irrigation system
3. Mortared walls and wetland floor to be constructed out of 'urbanite' (recycled broken up concrete from on & off site local demolition sources) and finished with a local stone cap.
4. Home to cattails, rushes & marsh species.

















Picture to Left- Foreground: Mulch Basin # 3
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

1. An overflow mulch basin for the Constructed Wetland & Marsh Drain Field (seen in the background of photo)

2. A catch basin for (2) Infiltration Chambers for graywater effluent being pumped through irrigation system.

3. Integrated into the basin will be a lemon tree (for water absorption, fruit, shade, cooling & interest) and seating wall as it terminates at the edge of the back patio and the living room space in the house.






Back Yard Mulch Basin # 4
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

1. Catch basin for (5) Infiltration Chambers for graywater effluent being pumped through system.
2. Rain Garden for harvesting and diverting roof water catchment and overflow for future potable water cistern.
2. Blue elderberry tree, native shrubs & goundcovers.





Back Yard Mulch Basin #5
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

1. Catch basin for (4) Infiltration Chambers
2. Rain Garden for harvesting and diverting roof water catchment and overflow for future potable water cistern.
3. Fig tree, native shrubs and groundcovers




Speaking of, I must return to the site pronto. Coming with more 1/2 tubing and couplings guys!

Graywater: Harvesting, Harnessing, Building & Growing LIFE

Project: Harvest LIFE Project: Marina, California

Project Scope: Design + Build Services

Stage of Development: Installation In Progress

Type of Systems Designed For Client's Home Ecosystem & Lifestyle:

1. 1500 gallon Cistern and Effluent Pump System with

Constructed Wetland + (3) Mulch Basins / Mini Leach Fields

2. Launday to Landscape with (2) Mulch Basins

3. Edible Canopy & Shade Trees, Wetland & Native Coastal Dune Plant Species & Monterey Cypress Species.

Edibles Include: Citrus (Lemon), Fig, Blue Elderberry, Banana, Apples

Natives Include: Buckwheats, sages, bunch grasses, ca. fuchsia, toyon, ceanothus, lupine...

Purpose of Green Retrofit:

To dramatically cut back on potable water consumption by harvesting used on-site graywater for edible and native coastal dune landscape, groundwater recharge, habitat creation, biodiversity building. This project is about shifting priorities and what is important, choosing a more self reliant and sufficient lifestyle, recognizing a precious untapped resource and taking FULL advantage of its potential- Reevaluating and redesigning the daily usage, requirements and cycle of water at the home scale. Here we have designed systems to diverted the 'waste' water stream and create multiple resource and nutrient streams that literally build and support life. It's about recognizing that potable water is in high demand and short supply and it doesn't need to be used in most home applications. Its about choosing a daily lifestyle that enbodies reuse and repurposing, harvesting, harnessing, redistributing, infiltrating, building (soil, delight and potential), attracting and welcoming (beneficials & diversity) and growing a healthy balanced connected nutritious life experience at home.

Pic: Contoured Mulch Basin / Mini Leach Field / Swale In Progress

Breaking Ground:

Here we are defining the constructed wetland for the cistern overflow planter. Here, cattails and rushes will filter, slow, and redistribute water for infiltration and plant requirements, attract beneficial insects, diverse wildlife, happy homeowners and a sense of peace and well being.

Mulch Basin Excavation, Contouring & Grading Work