Macro vs. Micro
The future of greywater and reuse systems may be more in larger utility sponsored systems rather than in small-scale residential systems. Many utilities are actively pursuing the option of collecting, treating, and reusing graywater and delivering this water to customers via a dual pipe network. This water is primarily used for irrigation at larger sites such as schools, parks, and office buildings.
On the other hand, small-scale greywater systems installed at individual homes have had mixed success. Some systems perform well and give years of service while others are abandoned after only a short period of time. Development of residential greywater systems is complicated by the fact that small greywater systems are not legal in some cities and states. This can quickly stifle efforts to market and sell this technology. Furthermore, economic analysis of the potential water savings, benefits, and system costs reveals that these small systems are unlikely to be cost effective.
Unless local laws are changed and the price of water increases dramatically, it is unlikely that small-scale residential greywater systems will reach a mass market in the near future.