Dear industry colleague,

When it comes to creating workable solutions in the plumbing sector, not everybody involved with the building industry sits on the same page. In particular graywater treatment engineers have to balance the needs of the builder with bureaucratic regulations and workable health practices.

Recently www.worldplumbinginfo.com spoke with Glen Milliott, an environmental engineer with Australian engineering firm, WJ Pratt to discuss the viablity of creating national guidelines or a white paper listing key assessment criteria to help curtail the differences in opinion, action and regulation.

“There is nothing in the industry that ticks any consistent national guideline boxes,” says Glen.

“Yet this is something that, although difficult to do, would be beneficial.”

It is clear the industry needs guidelines, perhaps the Association of Hydraulics Services Consultants Australia (AHSCA) or like bodies around the globe should get behind the idea to produce something of note that provides clear direction. In the meantime, more accountability is necessary between integrated parties to ensure that when wastewater is treated and recycled it is done to the highest standards and without hindrance.

Following are five assessment points for consideration to be included on a white paper.
1. Understand the legislation, where it is and how to assess a proposal.
2. Conduct due diligence, particularly with regulations from governing authorities.
3. Gain a good understanding of the technical issues relating to the work.
4. Integrate areas or understand what other contractors are doing that may affect your work.
5. Employ a risk management representative.

The full story will be published online shortly. In the meantime, here are a few links to the issues of graywater treatment, innovation and technology.