A “green roof” that cleans up waste bath water for flushing toilets has been developed by London’s Metropolitan Water Company (GB 2375761). A pool of waste water around 12 centimetres deep, which forms part of the roof, is covered by a rainproof membrane. Flowers grow through the membrane with their roots in the water. A solar-powered pump circulates the water around the roots, where micro-organisms digest any organic matter. The cleaned-up water is then diverted to the toilet cistern. The roof water stays at around 5 °C, keeping the house warm in winter and cool in the summer.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Google shouldn’t be pressuring schools to use its AI
91ɫÇéƬ
Technology
Australia’s social media ban faces high court challenge
News
Technology
The nuclear waste repository in Finland designed to outlast modern civilisation
Features
Technology
How did the biggest crypto heist in history just happen?
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles