CAR promotes household greywater reuse to combat droughts

The Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca (CAR) has introduced a technical guide for the recirculation of greywater in both urban and rural homes. This initiative is part of the ‘Ruta para la Preparación Climática’ (Climate Preparation Route) strategy, aimed at optimizing water resources to mitigate potential droughts caused by phenomena such as El Niño.

Greywater, which originates from showers, sinks, bathtubs, and washing machines, accounts for between 60% and 80% of the total wastewater generated by urban residences. The environmental authority encourages citizens to repurpose this water for tasks such as plant irrigation, toilet flushing, and cleaning outdoor surfaces. Implementing these domestic habits is intended to reduce pressure on regional reservoirs and aqueducts.

CAR Director General Alfred Ballesteros urged communities to adopt water-saving practices to increase resilience within the jurisdiction's municipalities. The guide notes that while greywater is not suitable for ingestion or food preparation, its efficient reuse prevents the unnecessary consumption of potable water. Citizens can collect this water using basic containers like buckets or by installing low-cost mechanical devices.