Harbor
Homes Luxury Houseboats Goes Completely Green with New,
Proprietary GreenSystem™
A
HARBOR HOMES™ EXCLUSIVE
Harbor
Homes™ (
http://www.bayacht.com/houseboats.htm ), the
nation’s largest manufacturer of non-propulsioned houseboats
(and now, a builder of self-propelled houseboats), has
pioneered a new technology called GreenSystem™, which
portends to be one of the most exciting developments for
environmentally sound marine craft, as well as our luxury
houseboats.
This
revolutionary grey water recycling system eliminates ALL
need for pump out when combined with the upgraded toilets
Harbor Homes™ will feature beginning with the current 2009
model year.
THE
BALANCING ACT OF GOING GREEN
Many marinas and boat owners
have come under fire by environmentalists concerned about
the pollutive effects of the marine industry. As a partner
to our nationwide marina dealer network, Harbor Homes™ took
the lead and solved the most vital issues at the core of
floating houseboat communities, and the municipalities that
regulate them.
By halting accidental
discharge and eliminating the need for septic pump-outs,
drain fields, or lines to land-based septic systems, Harbor
Homes™ has actually removed one of the major obstacles
towards establishing more environmentally sensible floating
communities. Whether for vacation use or year round
accommodation, our newest houseboat models have completely
redesigned the wastewater treatment and elimination process.
ELIMINATING PUMP-OUTS ON
HOUSEBOATS
The upgraded houseboat
toilets being installed are an existing technology which
have been in use in remote areas like
Alaska, remote
camps and other places where constant running water and
septic removal are not possible. The toilets we are
integrating into our luxury houseboat models simply compost
or incinerate what was formerly the black water from the
boat. There is no pump-out or dumping since the material is
either collected and compacted dry or completely destroyed
inside the unit itself.
The
proprietary GreenSystem™
(patent pending) - onboard grey water recycling plant -
will appeal not only to houseboat owners but all mariners.
This Harbor Homes™ exclusive method places a mini wastewater
treatment plant inside every individual houseboat. It
recycles the grey water and completely removes all
sediments, chemicals, oils, soaps, chlorine, particulate,
and even treats the water so that virus/bacteria are
destroyed prior to re-release into the internal onboard grey
water system. With an optional upgrade for reverse osmosis
the integrated GreenSystem™ can even produce drinking water!
(Grey water filter, pictured, has been greatly expanded on
and has a minimum 3 stage filtration system--now optional on
all of our houseboats.)
When
there is extra treated water to be released into a waterway,
because the internal system is at capacity, it is as clean
as drinkable tap water.
Harbor
Homes™ is already in the process of getting the testing
certification completed so they can provide the completely
environmentally sound systems inside every new custom
manufactured houseboat they build.
The
GreenSystem™ combined with the upgraded toilets has
succeeded in eliminating the smell, contents and
environmental impact of all the water used aboard our luxury
houseboats. Marinas and authorities in charge of waterways
do not have to worry about discharge from our houseboats as
they do with other marine craft.
HOW IT
WORKS
The
GreenSystem™ is an integral part of the internal houseboat
plumbing system. Every time grey water enters the recycler
several processes take place.
First.
the water passes through a grease, oil and soap filter where
most of these materials are removed.
Next, the water is
purified through a series of step-down micron filters. These
replaceable, easy to maintain filters (removed every six months)
catch most of the particulate and prepare the water for a
chamber where the separation of the remaining oils and heavier
materials occurs.
The
water flows into the special three chamber interceptor where the
lighter remaining grease and oils are trapped at the top of the
chamber. Any dissolved fats that make it through are
removed with another filter.
A second set of filters
are used to remove even smaller particles from 5 microns then
down to .5 microns with a charcoal filter.
Finally,
the water is exposed to ultraviolet light in an encased transfer
pipe which allows destruction of bacteria or viruses in the
flow.
The
water is now clean enough for use in the internal home grey
water system holding tank.
TO
PURIFY TO DRINKING WATER STANDARDS
As an
option, the clearer water in the standard GreenSystem™ can be
processed in an additional chamber where it undergoes a complete
reverse osmosis purification. To maintain a higher flow rate
Harbor Homes™ GreenSystem™ recommends a larger unit.
Similar
to what soft drink bottlers use today, the GreenSystem™ with the
additional reverse osmosis process turns the water from grey to
clear in a matter of several steps.
The
water is thoroughly clean and ready for re-release back into the
internal holding tank. The resulting water is 99.99% clear
according to preliminary test results and UV system manufacturer
claims.
FULFILLING
YOUR WATER RECYCLING NEEDS
The
GreenSystem™ operates at a capacity of 23 gallons per minute
and fits in a compact area inside the main hull of just 20
inches wide by 21.5 inches deep by 10 feet long - small
enough to fit below deck with easy an access panel for
consumers.
Since
the system is encased and has no user serviceable parts, the
only maintenance performed by the owner is the replacement
of common filters.
The toilet
technology has been around for many years and we are
recommending particular brands that use a limited water
intake and operate as traditional toilets but remove the
need for large wastewater holding tanks.
The
composting toilet flushes to a composting tank several feet
away and uses as little as 0.2 liters of water per flush.
The incinerating toilet version needs no septic tank at all
and no special chemicals. It is ideal for houseboats and
produces only a fine, sterile ash. A multi-toilet
incineration system, for example, can fit in an area of only
28 inches tall, by 19 inches wide and 18 inches deep. The
style we chose can incinerate 5 gallons of waste per hour.
Either
toilet system supplemented by the GreenSystem™ will
completely change water use and waste disposal onboard.
Harbor
Homes™ is proud to offer our unique GreenSystem™ to all
buyers. When combined with other recommended upgrades, such
as the composting or incinerating toilets, and low-flow
shower and toilet water restrictors, we believe these will
greatly enhance the appeal of our products over similar
houseboats and other marine craft.
Harbor
Homes™ is dedicated to creating the most environmentally
sound and advanced system for the average owner. You never
have to worry about reaching pump-out capacity, negotiating
for services, or waiting around to get your houseboat clear.
You also don’t have to worry about the effect you have on
the waterway you love.
With
less odor, less chance for accidental discharge and ease of
maintenance, Harbor Homes™ sees the GreenSystem™ as the wave
of the future for all marine craft. As our system becomes
the standard for houseboats we will also be creating other
GreenSystem™ models for a variety of applications, both
marine and land-based.
