About Gris

This year South America is facing the biggest water crisis in history. The main reasons are climate change, deforestation, and the explosive growth of cities. In parts of Sao Paulo there are already houses where water is only available 12 out of 24 hours a day. The situation worsens when the dry season begins in April and residents have to live without water 4-5 days per week. Lack of water becomes a potential source of serious social conflict.

Despite the existence of hundreds of water recycling products since the 1940’s, very few people use them. These solutions are too expensive and complicated to use, especially in countries with serious water shortages. Gris is a realistic and feasible solution that is affordable and as simple to use as a bucket. It can dramatically reduce domestic water usage and be integrated into the homes of millions. Gris collects 95% of the water used during a shower and enables reuse for toilet-flushing, cleaning, irrigation and other household activities.

According to UNESCO, every $1 invested in improved water supply and sanitation can yield between $4 and $12 for the local economy, depending on the type of project. Gris saves at least 40 liters of water per person per day, or 60.000 liters per year for an average Brazilian family. Based on its 60 million households, Brazil could save 2.4 billion liters of water per day or 876 billion liters per year, translating to $8.4 billion per year – or 0,37% of Brazil’s GDP in 2013. The average citizen of Sao Paulo uses 175 liters of water per day, versus the WHO recommendation of 110 liters. Gris can make up 40 liters of the 65 liters difference and has the potential to solve 60% of Brazil’s water shortage.