Graywater is any water that is used in the home, except water from toilets. Graywater makes up 50-80% of all residential water use. Graywater systems are not commonly used here, but the concept is taking root! With the ever increasing need to conserve our precious water resources, recycling graywater only makes sense. Monterey County has relaxed the permit requirements to obtain graywater systems, but still don't have published guidelines for installation as they are still evolving. The most common and easiest graywater system to install is collecting the water from the washing machine. The average load of laundry uses 15-20 gallons per load. There is NO permit required when you install a laundry ' landscape graywater system. Using graywater to keep your lawn green is not recommended since lawns are typically used by children to play and there is a very small risk of spreading disease. However, 'there has not been one documented case of graywater transmitted illness in the US.' Graywater is best used for irrigation since most plants thrive on water containing small amounts of compost. Installing a graywater system for bath tubs, showers or bathroom sinks does require a construction permit. A shower uses an average of 25 gallons per shower. The Central Coast Graywater Alliance provides professional consultations to determine your home's potential for graywater recycling. You cannot install a graywater system for dishwashers or kitchen sinks. Additionally, the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District does not grant water credits for installing a grey water recycling system.

Sources: Oasis Design and Central Coast Greywater Alliance