The first project, a $125,000 grant, will provide guidance for implementing water reuse in new buildings and developments to achieve sustainability goals. The project's end result, a first-of-its-kind ‘guidance document’, will arm developers and architects with effective methods to implement satellite water recycling systems for new and mixed-use developments. Satellite treatment systems, which are onsite, stand-alone technologies, harvest and treat rainwater and graywater - including wash water from sinks, showers and washing machines - and present one of the strongest growth opportunities for sustainable recycled water applications. Reusing graywater can reduce the demand for municipally treated water by 30 to 60%. The findings will be shared with the US Green Building Council and are applicable to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits.
Pentair has also granted $50,000 to the WateReuse Research Foundation to examine graywater treatment technologies in the US. After evaluating raw and post graywater treatment, the WateReuse Research Foundation anticipates that its research will help determine treatment reliability and success - and help assess the potential benefits of expanded treatment and use.
Susan Carter, manager, Pentair Foundation, said: “Pentair and our Foundation are committed to offering the communities in which we operate the knowledge and vehicles to reuse water. The WateReuse Research Foundation has demonstrated an expertise in water reuse and our communities' future water needs, and we're excited to collaborate with them. Providing sustainable solutions to meet the world's growing need for clean, safe water is a high priority for Pentair.”
Both projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2010, with results available in 2011.