The secrets of greywater

Greywater is the relatively clean waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines and dishwashers. It’s not drinkable but there’s still loads you can do with it. This week we’re finding out how greywater could help tackle water scarcity. We’re meeting communities in the dry north of Brazil who have installed simple systems to filter water used for laundry to water their crops and save their land from desertification. In Germany we meet the company using bacteria to help magically recycle greywater on a big scale in hotels, museums and swimming pools. Plus we talk to a greywater fangirl for her top facts and tips on how you can save water the low tech way.

People Fixing The World from the BBC is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We release a new edition every Tuesday. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. And please leave us a review on your chosen podcast provider.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer: Claire Bowes
Brazil reporter: Julia Dias Carneiro
Editor: Jon Bithrey
Sound mix: Hal Haines

(Image: Edilene Monteiro reusing greywater at her home in northeastern Brazil, BBC)