New California Gray Water Code Adopted

Drought triggers emergency ease in recycling regulations

The continuing drought in California has prompted state agencies to ease regulations for recycling residential wastewater, making it legal to use “gray water” from bathroom sinks, showers and laundry for irrigation without extensive underground systems and, in some cases, without a construction permit.

The code change was approved by the California Building Standards Commission on an emergency basis on August 4 and will remain effective for 180 days, while the Department of Housing and Community Development (HDC) holds public hearings.

According to the HDC, gray-water irrigation systems can significantly reduce statewide water needs because as much as one-third of home water use goes to watering lawns, trees and gardens. Under the new rules, permits are required for all systems that handle more than 250 gallons per day. Local city and county regulations still apply and may be more restrictive than the revised state code.

Some of the provisions of the new code and how they vary from previous rules are:

No permit needed for a washing machine system, if the system follows health and safety guidelines outlined in the code.
No permit for a single fixture (one shower), if guidelines are followed.
Mulch or soil basins are allowed for covering release points (instead of gravel).
Systems are separated into simple and complex depending on the quantity of water. There are fewer requirements for simple systems.
Depth of discharge is 2” under mulch (previously 9" underground).
Systems must minimize contact with humans and pets.
Water containing hazardous chemicals or used to wash diapers or infectious garments cannot be used.
Water cannot come from kitchen sinks or toilets.

Last summer, Senate Bill 1258 passed requiring the state to revise the code "to conserve water by facilitating greater reuse of gray water in California." The code's revision was scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2011, but the new code was submitted for emergency adoption.

For more information on the revised code and to read all of the guidelines, go to the HDC website.

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