InspectAPedia®   -   Search InspectApedia

Photograph of graywater filter basin.Greywater or Gray Water System Productss
Buy gray water systems & components

Gray water component & equipment suppliers:

This article provides sources of gray water system eqiupment & components such as filters, stations, & irrigation systems.

This article series describes how to buy, install & use graywater systems to conserve water or relieve septic system loading: using a greywater distribution or greywater diversion system.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Graywater System Products, Greywater Diversion Systems

Sketch of the Clivus Multrum greywater system for graywater and toilet wasteGray Water Pumps, Tanks, Books and Design Specifications For Graywater Systems

In addition to explaining graywater systems we list and compare other sources of water for use on lawns, gardens, orchards, or for purification as drinking water. We also include links to greywater system references and books.

Shown at page top is a clean design for onsite greywater disposal using a sketch from Clivus Multrum (see links below). At left is a sketch of a typical graywater filter.

>Self cleaning filter from Greylink (C) InspectApedia.com & greywatersystems.com

Image at left illlustrates GreyLink's self-cleaning greywater filter. [Click to enlarge any image]

Sketch of the Clivus Multrum greywater system for graywater and toilet waste

Graywter System Resources

Question: Does Washington State prohibit graywater systems?

I am having issues with my septic system and the service that has started my job is telling me that in Washington State it is a state law that we cannot use Grey Water systems. Do you happen to know anything about that? I am very interested in adding a system like yours for my home. Please let me know. Thank you - D.W. 5/15/2014

Reply:

Washington State does not prohibit graywater re-use but does specify guidelines and the state allows local jurisdictions to enforce more strict regulation. Indeed the state has published various studies and guidelines.
Quoting from your state's own publications

Chapter 246-274 WAC sets requirements for using greywater for subsurface irrigation. The rule took effect on July 31, 2011. Local health jurisdictions (LHJs) have three years to implement it. (LHJs may adopt more stringent requirements than those in the state rule.) However, if they are unable to adjust resources to implement and enforce this chapter, the provisions of chapter 246-272A WAC shall continue to apply to greywater reuse for subsurface irrigation. Check with your LHJ to learn if greywater reuse under chapter 246-274 WAC is allowed or ask them how to support that effort if it is not allowed yet.

Watch out: Washington State authorities (and the WA law), in discussing the re-use of graywater and the design of graywater systems does make clear that installing a graywater re-use sysem does not exclude septic systems (onsite wastewater disposal systems or soakawy beds or soakpits depending on where you live) from meeting other state requirements for those systems.

In other words, if your septic system needs a new drainfield, it will still need one after installing a graywater re-use system. However on occasion one can extend the life of a septic drainfield by reducing the water load on it by routing graywater elsewhere.


...

Continue reading  at GREYWATER SYSTEMS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

GREYWATER SYSTEM PRODUCTS, SUPPLIERS found at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Search the InspectApedia website

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification
when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.
Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca

Comment Form is loading comments...

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.



ADVERTISEMENT