What is a Graywater Reuse System and Why You Should Consider One for Your House?

Graywater is water that has already been used in other household applications and gone down the drain. Water from sinks, showers, bath tubs and washing machines is called graywater. The used water will have traces of dirt, soap, hair, grease and household cleaning products in it which makes it have a grayish color, that’s how the gently used water got its name. These trace elements in the graywater can actually be good for plants and provide them with nutrients that help them grow. It all depends on what else gets washed down the drain.

Water from toilets is not suitable for recycling in the garden, nor is laundry water which has been used to wash cloth diapers. Toxics like paints, hair dye, or harsh cleaners, should never enter the graywater system, and should instead be routed through the municipal sewer.  This is commonly referred to as “blackwater.”

Since graywater doesn’t have major bacterial concerns, reusing your graywater for irrigation use can help to reduce your monthly water bill. One should avoid using harmful chemical products in the water when utilizing a graywater system though.  Bleach, boron and overuse of salt should not be allowed in the water that feeds the graywater reuse system.  

Graywater Reuse System Safe Products

We have identified some graywater reuse system safe detergents for you. The links below are Amazon Affiliate links, so we earn a little bit from qualifying purchases.

ECOS PRO Liquid Laundry Detergent

Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent

Molly’s Suds

BioKleen Laundry Detergent

Product Ingredients to Avoid

If water is to be re-used on plants, a few changes may be needed in the household to make the water safe for plant life. Using safer soaps for cleaning and bathing will be good for both you and your garden. Look for products that are biodegradable or biocompatible. Harsh cleaning chemicals, like chlorine bleach, will need to be avoided too. You will need to become a label reader if you are not already but all that water for your garden is worth it! And honestly if the product is not good for the earth can it really be that good for your body? Think about it.

• Boron / Borax
• Any ingredient with the word “sodium” in it
• Chlorine bleach
• Sodium perborate
• Sodium hypochlorite
• Petroleum distillate
• Alkylbenzene
• Water softeners
• Anti-bacterial soaps & cleaners
• Optical brighteners
• Enzymes
• Titanium oxide
• Chromium oxide
• Artificial colors
• Synthetic fragrance

Is Graywater an Option for Your Home?

Graywater is a solid investment.  You already are paying for the water once, but you can use it again in a way that is beneficial to your garden/grass and eases the strain on the City’s municipal water supply.  With water scarcity at the forefront of the World’s Mind, graywater use has many advantages.  Potable water can be saved for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, and the still valuable graywater can irrigate.  Concerned homeowners can also invest in a filtration system that eliminates hair, debris and larger contaminants before the water reaches the desired location.  A sand filter is a cost-effective tool that eliminates even small particles. 

The design of one’s home is important when considering a graywater system.  For example, if your home is a concrete slab foundation, your collection supply would stem from the clothes washer located on the exterior wall of the home.  This is called a laundry to landscape system.  However, if you clothes washer is not located on the exterior wall, greywater won’t be an option for your home.

For existing homes, a pier and beam foundation is the most ideal collection method, or a new home build in which the contractor can work with a graywater system installer to incorporate the system into the initial design.

Additionally, you must check if your home is in a “disallowed” or restricted zone for graywater capture.  Some cities impose limits based on underground aquifers, environmental conditions, or local permits.  Graywater is becoming more commonly understood and accepted; however many states do still outright ban the use of it.  Make sure you check with your local municipal and city laws before proceeding with new installation.

What can we do for you?

Innovative Water Solutions LLC is a leader in graywater reuse system design and installation. In Texas, we can provide both design and installation services. Outside of Texas, we can provide design consulting for your graywater reuse system. Contact us today!