Water Processing System and Method

Abstract

A new and useful system and method is provided, designed to conserve existing water resources, and also to provide additional benefits to a water supply, particularly to a water heater. In a system and method of the invention, a source of water condensate is in fluid communication with a reservoir. A primary water flow path is established between water from a primary source and a water heater, and a hydrostatic connection is provided between the reservoir and the primary flow path. The hydrostatic connection is designed such that water from the reservoir is drawn into the primary flow path and mixed with the water in the primary flow path, thereby enabling the water condensate from the reservoir to supplement the flow of water in the primary flow path to the water heater. A system and method of the present invention is designed to conserve existing water resources, provide a water supplement that is a distillate with less minerals that can harm a water heater, and which also provides some softening of the water directed to the water heater.

1 . A water processing system comprising
 a. a source of water condensate,   b. a reservoir in fluid communication with the source of water condensate, such that water condensate can drain from the source into the reservoir,   c. a water heater, and a primary flow path of water from a primary source to the water heater, and   d. a hydrostatic connection between the reservoir and the primary flow path, configured such that water from the reservoir is drawn into the primary flow path and mixed with the water in the primary flow path, thereby enabling the water condensate from the reservoir to supplement the flow of water in the primary flow path to the water heater   
   
   
       2 . The water conservation system of  claim 1 , wherein the primary flow path includes a venturi pump with an inlet side and an outlet side in direct fluid communication with the water heater, and wherein the hydrostatic connection between the reservoir and the primary water flow path communicates with the venturi pump. 
   
   
       3 . A water processing method comprising
 a. providing a source of water condensate,   b. providing a reservoir in fluid communication with the source of water condensate, and draining water condensate can drain from the source into the reservoir,   c. providing a water heater, and a primary flow path of water from a primary source to the water heater, and   d. providing a connection between the reservoir and the primary flow path, and establishing a pressure differential between the water heater and the primary flow path that draws water from the reservoir into the primary flow path and mixes the drawn water with the water in the primary flow path, thereby enabling the water condensate from the reservoir to supplement the flow of water in the primary flow path to the water heater.   
   
   
       4 . The water processing method of  claim 3 , wherein the primary flow path includes a venturi pump with an inlet side in communication with a primary water source and an outlet side in direct fluid communication with the water heater, wherein the water condensate from the reservoir is in fluid communication with the venture pump, and wherein establishing a pressure differential between the water heater and the primary flow path (i) draws water from the reservoir into the venturi pump, (ii) causes mixing of the drawn water with the water in the primary flow path, and (iii) enables the drawn and mixed condensate to supplement the primary flow to the water heater.