Why don't we route filtered sea water to toilet flushes instead of purified water?

Question

We don't have to desalinate it, just a simple filtration would be sufficient. Would the salt water cause a wear and tear problem on the ceramic, the plubming or flushing devices if this is done? Would it not be cheaper to maintain and replace those instead of wasting purified water?

Answer 1

I see where you are heading with this, but the trouble arises with the delivery system. You'd need to create two new sets of water delivery systems on a municipal and household level. Which doubles operation costs; requires twice as much construction materials; and obviously increases maintenance costs (salt water is stunningly corrosive -- look at some of the work being done on sailboats in a nearby boatyard if you can).

I'm not sure this is the best approach overall in promoting water conservation at home.

Couple of interesting statistics: toilets account for 26% of a households annual water usage; leaks consume nearly 14% of a homes yearly water usage!

The first thing you can do to reduce your water consumption is to make sure your system is leak free. This is fairly easy to do and often doesn't cost a great deal.

Another trick (many homes in Canada have done this) is to fill a two liter plastic bottle with gravel and water. Then put this in your toilet tank -- this basically (via displacement) reduces the volume of water used with each flush.

The second link below offers 49 tips on how to best save water at home. There are some really cool ideas!

Oh, for Kent j on his petty and childish answer: I think ALL Americans have eaten enough crap from this "current" administration to last a lifetime.

Answer 2

Ok, let's forget for a minute that it will cause major corrosion problems.

Actually, yes you would have to desalinate it. Keep in mind that this water goes directly to the waste treatment plants. The key to making these plants work is bacterial decomposition of the human waste. The bacteria can't live in salt water, so the waste won't decompose.

And, desalination is extremely expensive.

I'll give you an "A" for thinking out of the box, but you also have to be aware of unintended consequences.

Answer 3

Salt causes corrosion -> increased maintenance.

Can't mix salt water with the fresh water taps -> Separate pipes all the way from the source.

The flush tank is an emergency reserve of drinking water, so that wouldn't work either.

Answer 4

Because it would require an entire additional water delivery system. When a lot of cities are looking at enormous costs of keeping-up their outdated infrastructure, there's no way they can lay out the investment of another water-delivery system.

A better solution might be a rainwater capture system at individual buildings which would then supply non-potable water for toilets, etc. Then you'd only need the additional plumbing at the consumer's end with drainage going to the existing sewage system.

Answer 5

The main reason is you have to run two sets of pipes. It's cost prohibitive.

But, in newer areas some water companies are running another set of pipes and using reclaimed water for flushing. It is already used in golf courses and many public areas for irrigation, but as new homes are designed and built, the extra pipes required to carry the recycled wate are included. This saves the best water for consumptive uses.

Answer 6

I think the salt would corrode all sorts of things...I heard of a great company somewhere here in Australia where they organize the plumbing of the house so that gray water is used in the toilet (somewhat refined washing machine/bathing water). I think this is something that should be encouraged.

Answer 7

The salt water might have a detrimental effect on the "bugs" in the waste water treatment plant. If you kill the bugs, you will end up dumping raw sewerage into what ever stream, lake or ocean your waste water plant discharges into. Also, the salt water will attack your plumbing and fixtures.

Answer 8

It should work but ehy would have to make separate piping for toilets flush. You can have the sea water while bathing / brushing. Lot of new plumbing work to be done.

Answer 9

There are systems that collect rainwater and use that in toilets and for other non-potable purposes. There's a Ford truck plant in Michigan that does this. The water's a little brown but you know it's just rainwater.

Answer 10

We have a mini bathroom in our church for the children. The toilet and sink are itty bitty and way down near the floor. I decided to use it for fun. The bowl is a pleasantly snug fit but your knees are in your ears whilst peeing. I got off on a sideroad here, didn't I?