Peat moss is an integral part of the gray water filtering system.
Filtering waste water, or gray water, for use in the garden is a win-win for the homeowner's budget and the environment. In dry climates, recycling water from showers, washing machines and kitchen sinks helps keep gardens green. The gray water contains soap and microbes, however, that may contaminate garden beds. Building a peat moss filtering system is a relatively simple project for a handy do-it-yourself gardener. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the lid from the barrel. Drill a hole in the side of the barrel, 4 inches from the bottom. Insert the threaded end of the spigot through the hole and tighten the nut on the inside.
2. Arrange the cement blocks where the barrel is to stand. Make a solid base; when the barrel is full of water it is extremely heavy. Use two water heater straps to secure the barrel to the wall.
3. Fill the bottom of the barrel with 8 inches of gravel. Lay two T-shirts flat over the gravel, making sure they completely cover the gravel.
4. Pour peat moss into the barrel, within 6 inches of the top. Cover with two more T-shirts.
5. Cut the window screen into a circle slightly larger than the interior of the barrel. Lay it over the T-shirts, pressing firmly down in the middle to make a 1- to 2-inch deep depression.
6. Remove the cap on the barrel lid. Screw a threaded pipe through the hole, then screw an elbow onto the pipe. Place the lid back on the barrel.
7. Attach a garden hose to the threaded pipe and run it through a window into the house. Generally when using gray water, homeowners siphon the water from the sink or bathtub. Permanent gray water plumbing installations are not legal in many areas.
8. Attach a garden hose to the spigot on the barrel. Run it from the barrel to the soaker hose in the garden. Open the spigot slightly for drip watering or all the way to soak the garden.
Tags: gray water, Attach garden, Attach garden hose, filtering system, from barrel, garden hose