Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

The global water crisis, intensified by urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, calls for innovative solutions to address water scarcity. Water reclamation and reuse, specifically focusing on residential greywater, presents an opportunity to ensure efficient resource utilization, the protection of environmental and human health, and enhanced water management. Greywater, originating from bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers, and washing machines, has lower contaminant levels, making it suitable for non-potable applications like toilet flushing. The treatment of greywater is regulated by standards such as NSF/ANSI 350, ensuring that systems meet specific water quality parameters and are a requirement of market entry. The growing global demand for technologies capable of treating residential greywater has led to the development of various systems. However, many existing technologies face challenges such as large footprints, demanding installation requirements, high maintenance, subpar treatment quality, and low efficiency. In response to these challenges, Greyter Water Systems, an Ontario-based company, has developed innovative and cost-effective greywater treatment solutions - their latest model, the 3rd generation Greyter HOME, boasts a small footprint, low maintenance, easy installation, and affordability. Greyter is on the verge of transitioning this technology from R&D to commercialization, with plans underway to sell in residential developments in 2025. The critical step towards commercialization requires a third-party development and optimization of its technology.. To achieve this, Greyter is collaborating with Fleming College’s Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) on an 18-week applied research project to optimize 3 key performance areas: chlorine dosing, bioreactor robustness and recovery, and backwashing processes. Data generated from this research will enable Greyter to make informed decisions and modifications to their final prototype, prior to pursuing validation testing. The CAWT will lead rigorous testing and optimization of the technology. Once commercialized, the advanced residential greywater treatment product will fill a significant gap in the North American market. It will solidify Greyter's position as a leader in the greywater reuse market in Canada and abroad, addressing critical water scarcity issues and contributing to sustainable water management practices.