What is a Greywater System?

WHAT IS GREYWATER?

Greywater is the name given to water that’s already been used for washing purposes, like laundry, handwashing, showering, and bathing (NOT water that’s been in contact with feces, like from the toilet or washing diapers). Greywater systems, then, are used to redirect and recycle this “once-used” water for other purposes. Greywater may look unclean (it does have the characteristic “grey” tint, after all), but it’s perfectly suitable for watering the garden, irrigating your lawn, and more.

IS GREYWATER SAFE FOR PLANTS?

For the purposes greywater typically serves, like irrigating lawns, ornamental gardens, or trees, greywater is safe (if you use the right cleaners and body care products) — and can even be beneficial. Greywater contains traces of dirt, food, grease, and hair, which become pollutants when released into bodies of water. But to plants, these things are nutrients and valuable fertilizers. This makes greywater an even better option for watering and irrigation than regular water!

Greywater systems are becoming increasing popular as water resources are being divided amongst more and more people. Greywater systems allow homeowners to separate and divert greywater from other genberated wastewater (used toilet water, etc...) and reuse that water for irrigation, cutting down on their water bill and cutting down on overall demand on our water system.

Installing a greywater system may or may not be right for you. There are many resources on the internet, including YouTube that can further detail greywater systems to help you decide if a greywater system could benefit you.