By Avery Benjamin
With temperatures hitting record highs every summer and periods of drought becoming more common in Ohio, it makes sense for savvy backyard environmentalists to conserve water while maintaining their home gardens. Rain barrels are a popular low-cost option with easy setup and maintenance. But if you’re interested in getting more technical, here’s an ingenious way to reuse water from your own home!
According to the EPA, the average American sends 82 gallons of water down the drain each day, even though some is perfectly suitable for watering plants. That’s where residential graywater recycling systems come in. These plumbing systems collect wastewater from sources such as washing machines, showers, and bathtubs, then divert it to subsurface irrigation lines. Ohio regulations specify that any such water that does not contain food or bodily wastes can be used to irrigate gardens, lawns, landscape plants, and even food crops, excluding root vegetables and those with edible portions that would come into contact with the graywater.
The state divides graywater recycling systems into four categories based on their capacity and use case. The most common types for individual households are type 1 (recycling less than 60 gallons of water per day, likely from a single source) and type 2 (recycling between 60 and 1,000 gallons of water per day, which is typical for a whole-house system). All types of graywater systems require a permit from the local health department, as detailed in the Ohio administrative code. You can install one using a DIY kit or by contacting a professional. Prices vary by complexity and irrigation goals.
An example of a residential graywater recycling system (https://www.buildinggreen.com/feature/using-graywater-landscape-irrigation)
The above diagram depicts a graywater system with a screen to filter out solid material like hair and lint, as well as a surge tank that overflows into the sewer. Importantly, the surge tank only stores graywater briefly, as it will eventually start to smell due to bacteria breaking down the organic matter within. In a setup like this, also note that it is essential to use biocompatible (not just biodegradable) laundry detergent that won’t harm your plants over time.
So what are the benefits of installing a graywater system? You can adjust the scale to suit your needs (for example, only installing a diverter on your washing machine), but if you’re just taking care of a few plants, the cost may not be worth it. However, if you have ambitions for a large vegetable garden, a pollinator paradise, or a backyard full of fruit trees, it may be just the thing for you. Graywater irrigation can keep your plants watered without you having to lift a finger, all while saving money, energy, and being an environmentally conscious option. If you’re on the fence, then still keep an ear out for anything you hear about graywater tech! It’s sure to evolve over time, and many people and organizations around the country are using it creatively.