Graywater is water from your kitchen sink, dishwasher, washing machine, or tub that you’ve used once but is still on-site. It is possible to reuse nearly all of this water on ornamental landscaping (non-edible plants). Graywater can also be used in some situations for toilet flushing. You may consider installing a graywater system for water efficiency if you are building a new house or renovating an existing one.
Graywater systems are not appropriate in all areas, and always require a high degree of expertise. Contact your local city or county to find out about building safety permits and regulations.
Local Water Districts & Universities Recycle Water
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District purifies and disinfects all wastewater and then, for eight months of the year, recycles all of that water for use on its landscaping.
West Basin Municipal Water District purifies and disinfects all wastewater and uses reverse osmosis to recycle all of that water for use on landscapes and also for specific industrial usage.
Pepperdine University recycles its graywater – that vast lawn on the front hillside is maintained with 100% treated and recycled water.
Additional Resources