What is the best septic system if we plan on using the hydraloop
We have purchased a 14 acres parcel of land. We want to build an eco, self sufficient 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathrooms, kitchen sink, dishwasher,laundry sink and washing machine cottage and possibly, with the approval of the township, several other 3 bedroom cottages.
We plan on installing Hydraloops in all the cottages. We would like to see if we can install a septic system that could accommodate all the cottages in one or two steps. Is this even possible? How big do we need then? Does the Hydraloop reduce the size of the septic systems since most of gray water will be redirected away from the septic system? We are looking at the 3 valve option (toilet flushing, laundry machine and topping up pool). The website and documentation claims to reduce water output by 85%.
Thank you for whatever infor you can provided.
Great that your goal is to create a such sustainable home or homes, and the Hydraloop Residential Grey Water Recovery System is a brilliant product. I think your best bet at this point is to contact a septic engineer, as they are the ones that would need to design a system and size it appropriately and regional Building Code regulations may also apply, that will determine how big septic bed you need, and whether you can feed it from adjacent cottages.
And conceptually speaking, given that you have 14 acres, is it safe to assume you have no municipal water supply and you will be digging a well? If so, I would say maybe zoom out for a second and look at the overall impact because your water will not arrive from a treatment plant, nor will your waste water be heading back there. Meaning, as conscientious people, I assume you will not be wasteful with your water, and that you will likely purchase water efficient toilets and faucets. So, the water you do use will be pumped from the ground and treat on site.
While reduction is a great thing, as long as there is sufficient ground water, in this case I don’t see your ecological footprint necessarily going enough to justify the cost of purchasing what is likely an expensive piece of machinery. A grey water treatment system would reduce the wear on your well pump, and reduce the energy required to supply a sufficient amount of water, but it’s really anyone’s guess if that’s actually any more sustainable given that you’re going to pump water up, use it, then let it filter itself naturally through the ground. Just food for thought! Where are you building by the way? Was I right about well water, and is there sufficient ground water where you are building?
You are correct! We are planning a well. I've spoken with a few well diggers in the area and they anticipate that at 120' we could have around 25GPM.
Our goal is to build a main cottage for ourselves and have a few smaller cottages nearby for our parents to grow old there. Eventually, they would have small bachelor apartments off the main cottage with a live-in care provider and we would have a smaller cottage along with our kids who will be adults by then.
The conservation authority is asking everyone to be mindful of their water use and restrict their water use (ie, don't water the grass). With the Hydraloop, we will get the three attachments for toilets, garden and pool. This way, we will maximise the amount of water recycled, minimise the water comsuption and reduce the inpact of our septic bed, hopefully, we can have just one bed for all the cottages to reduce costs as well.
I'll be contacting a septic engineer. Thanks for the advice.