Project Specifications
Client: Private residence
Project Goals
Reduce city water dependency; Support green infrastructure and building; Take advantage of city rebates
Project Description
Bobby Markowitz was hired to consult on a closed loop rainwater and greywater system for new home being built in Palo Alto. He calculated that they could collect an average of 25,000 gallons during the rainy season with a reservoir of 3,000 gallons stored for the summer vegetable garden. The system was designed to utilize harvested rainwater for the family’s domestic non-potable uses, such as toilets and washing machine. He then calculated their average greywater output from the washing machine and sinks to design their landscape with what’s called a net zero water use. This means that the landscape should not require more water than what can be produced on site. The entire home’s design and construction has surpassed the LEED assumptions for the project.