THE PROGRESS IN USING GREYWATER AS A SOLUTION TO WATER SCARCITY IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

Increased production of greywater prompted by the rise of urbanization and increased population in the industrial era is a growing environmental concern exacerbating the apparent water insecurity. Treatment and reuse of greywater is a promising solution to this problem since it will divert the use of limited freshwater resources to unavoidable consumptive uses. This study reviewed the various methods used to treat greywater and the progress made in taking up the practice in Kenya. Findings showed a variety of physicochemical treatment methods such as filtration, adsorption, coagulation and photocatalytic oxidation used to decontaminate greywater. Biological approaches such as the use of reactors and constructed wetland systems were discussed. Case study applications of the treatment approaches in Kenya to manage greywater were also highlighted. However, it was noted that appropriate policies, adequate funding and better designing of greywater treatment systems should be adopted to support the enhanced practices in Kenya.