These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.
“We live in a flush-and-forget society,” says Aaron Tartakovsky, co-founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec. He wants to change that with the company’s OneWater system, which allows buildings to treat up to 95% of their wastewater for reuses including toilet flushing, irrigation, and laundry. The system—unique in its scope and for being designed for new large-scale residential and commercial developments—also recycles energy from wastewater heat to preheat hot water supplies, and turns strained-out organic matter into soil for landscaping and gardens. With droughts intensifying and cities including San Francisco requiring large new buildings to be built with water recycling systems, Epic Cleantec may have found its moment.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision