Texas Homeowner’s Guide to Graywater Re-Use & Alternative Onsite Water
Droughts and rising costs have made conserving water more important than ever for Texas homeowners. These factors have led many to look into resources such as graywater and alternative onsite water reuse systems. Here’s what you should know about these sustainable solutions and whether they’re right for your home.
What Is Graywater?
Graywater refers to wastewater from your home, specifically from sources such as showers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks, and washing machines that contain little to no waste. These resources aren’t suitable for drinking water, but can be used in a variety of other applications.
Some of the most prominent examples include use in irrigation and landscape watering. However, graywater can still contain various contaminants, such as soap. This means that reuse must be applied carefully, with most systems avoiding pooling or spraying by direct distribution to soil.
Homeowners can ensure they’re using graywater safely and in an environmentally sound manner by following guidelines from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). That includes details such as how graywater and blackwater systems should be separated and key plumbing standards.
What Is Alternative Onsite Water?
Many homeowners can also take advantage of alternative onsite water. This covers a wide range of sources, such as rainwater, air conditioning condensate, foundation drainage, or even pool backwash.
You can reduce your reliance on treated water supply by using these sources for irrigation and watering. While these water sources may not meet drinkable standards, they are typically relatively clean, especially as far as your lawn is concerned.
In Texas, these types of sources are permissible for uses similar to those of graywater systems, such as irrigation and landscaping. If you have a large yard or extensive gardens, implementing these methods can conserve water and save a lot of money over the years.
Benefits of Using These Water Sources
Homeowners benefit from installing these water systems in a variety of ways. You can replace water consumption for a variety of uses, including lawn and garden watering, composting, and even toilet flushing.
The reduced water usage converts directly to cost savings. If you have a thirsty lawn, irrigation can account for the lion’s share of your water bills. You can cut that off entirely with a graywater or alternative water source system.
Conservation is becoming more important for environmental reasons as well. Droughts are becoming more common, putting serious stress on local water supplies. Installing such a system could be the only way to keep your lawn watered.
Important Safety Considerations
It’s important to handle these water sources in the right way to prevent health and environmental risks. Texas Administrative Code 30 TAC 210 Subchapter F provides specific standards for graywater and alternative onsite water design.
Homeowners can find all the information they need about system design, storage requirements, and separation from potable water. This will let you reduce your water use without risking your drinking water supply.
In general, graywater systems are designed to gather and dispatch water quickly, rather than storing it for long periods. This helps reduce the risk of bacteria and other health concerns. If you are using a graywater system, choosing biodegradable soaps and detergents can help prevent any unwanted chemicals from building up in your soil.
Pairing Your System With the Right Irrigation
Whether you’re using alternative resources or not, you should consider the efficiency of your home’s irrigation or sprinkler system. Making the most of available water is always the best choice and can help graywater and alternative water resources go further.
At Grass Works, our team installs high-quality irrigation systems tailored to the demanding Texas landscape. These systems implement sustainable design to deliver full coverage while using 20 to 30% less water.
From drip irrigation gardens to rotor systems, a wide range of irrigation systems is available. Working with professionals to find the right match for your property and your available water resources can achieve lasting cost savings and improve your environmental impact.
Choosing the Right Way to Save Water Safely
Both graywater and alternative onsite water reuse are great ways for Texas homeowners to save money and conserve water. Sticking to TCEQ regulations and going with the right design can let you do so safely. Combined with efficient sprinkler or irrigation systems, these methods help you save water while keeping your lawn healthy.
Ferris MyCue is the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. As a former firefighter who maintained yards on his days off, he saw a need for a dependable, local maintenance company that knew the hill country climate and could deliver quality landscaping services for a reasonable price. Since 2007 he has used his leadership to grow the company into one of the top landscape maintenance companies in Austin and surrounding areas offering landscape maintenance, design, and irrigation services to both residential and commercial clients. Ferris is also a member of the Seasonal Employment Alliance (SEA) and an active participant in advocacy efforts to help promote cap relief.