TURNING GRAY WATER GREEN


Waste water may be the simplest way to stretch your water budget
during the summer months. Gray water, which is recycled shower,
bath and laundry water, can be used to keep thirsty plants alive,
but some precautions should be followed. Because gray water
has not been disinfected, it could be contaminated. A careful
commonsense approach to the use of gray water, however
can virtually eliminate any potential hazard.


The following precautions are recommended:

                        Never use gray water for direct consumption.
                        Gray water should not be used directly on anything that may be eaten. 
                        Gray water should not be sprayed, allowed to puddle, or run off property.
                        Use only water from clothes washing, bathing or the bathroom sink. Do not use water that has
                            come in contact with soiled diapers, meat or poultry, or anyone with an infectious disease.

Plant specialists warn that gray water should not be used on
vegetables, seedlings, container plants or acid-loving
plants such as azaleas, begonias, camellias and
citrus trees. Gray water should be rotated with
fresh water to leach out any harmful build-up.
Chlorine bleach may damage plants, especially
if it touched the foliage. Biodegradable soaps
appear to have the least harmful effects.

For further information regarding the safe use of gray water,
contact our District office at 357-2121.

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