Graywater

What is Graywater?

“Graywater (or greywater) is wastewater or discharge water from washing machines, laundry sinks, bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs. It can be reused to supply water to the landscape through a subsurface irrigation system or treated and used for water to flush toilets.” (City of Grand Junction)

  • Graywater is typically water from laundry, bathroom sinks, showers, and bathtubs.

    Graywater can not be sewage water, and should not contain fecal material, pet hair, oils and soaps that could be harmful to plants and the environment.

    This information can change based on the area that you live. We recommend researching locally and working with your local resources.

  • Graywater allows for water to be reused which is extremely valuable in areas of water shortage. Mesa and Garfield Counties and surrounding counties of Western Colorado have been experiencing extreme drought conditions leading to water shortages. Using creative methods to get more use out of our water can allow for more use out of limited water quantity.

  • Always start with checking your area’s guidelines on what graywater systems may or may not be allowed in your area. Determine the system that will work best for your water needs (lawn/ garden irrigation, toilet system, etc.). Many municipalities may offer incentive programs or guidance in the process, we recommend doing research into the programs in your area. We have included some links below that may be useful if you are local to Mesa Conservation District.

Image that shows the graywater process. Shows the water going from household use, to a water tank, to use as irrigation in a yard.

Resources