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Canada has developed a wastewater reuse system

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
Published: 2015-05-20 09:00

Recently, the issue of lack of clean drinking water has become increasingly acute, threatening the lives of millions of people around the world. The increase in the world's population, climate change and other factors lead to a decrease in drinking water sources. To solve this problem, a method is needed that would help reduce water consumption.

Devices and methods that help save water and electricity have already been described, but the development of Canadian specialists allows using water from a bath or shower for the toilet flush tank.

A team of researchers from Vancouver has proposed their own way to save water: the ReFlow system is designed to purify and reuse water. The system has a special device built into it to collect wastewater, which after purification and disinfection can be reused for the toilet. According to the developers, such a system will save about 30% of fresh water (according to average statistical indicators).

A special device is connected to the overflow hole in the bathtub, from where the drained water gets into the tank, then, as needed, the water gets into the toilet cistern through the filtration and disinfection systems. The advantage of the new water recycling system is its simplicity. The developers noted that to install such a device, you only need a screwdriver and a little time (no more than an hour), and one person can handle this task, and the cost of installation will be about $ 800.

The Re-Flow system can be installed in various types of bathtubs, so there is no need to carry out major repairs in the bathroom. Devices of this type have several advantages, in addition to their main purpose - saving water - they help reduce the load on municipal treatment facilities, which helps preserve water supply and the environment. Some regions suffer from seasonal drought, and such a system will help residents to endure times of crisis less hard.

The developers created a prototype model of the system, with the help of which they were able to prove that their project really works. Now specialists are busy developing the components of the system so that it can be launched into serial production.

It is worth noting that the design of the Re-Flow system meets all necessary norms and standards, including international planning standards and health standards and quality control of reused water.

To bring their idea to life, the developers decided to use a crowdfunding system, which involves cooperation between people who voluntarily pool money or other resources to support political campaigns, scientific projects, startup companies, small businesses, and much more.

Canadian specialists need 50 thousand dollars to implement the project, but the collection of funds is quite slow, not everyone believes in the success of this project and does not want to risk their money. But, despite this, the idea of reusing water for personal needs is quite promising.

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