Climbing water rates and local restrictions caused by the growing water crisis have forced many homeowners to cut back or shut off their landscape irrigation all together. Besides the loss of plants, lost also are the benefits they provide. Shade from properly placed trees reduces cooling costs, shrubs and groundcover prevent water runoff and erosion, while all plants large or small remove carbon dioxide (greenhouse gasses) from the air, provide wildlife habitat, and improve property appearance and value. Reusing water you've already paid for, especially from showers and baths, is the key to keeping your yard green, saving money and doing your part to ease the crisis.

     Showers and baths account for approximately one third of household water use. A typical 15 minute shower uses 50 gallons of water which adds up to over 18,000 gallons a year per person. Used bathing water, refered to as gray water, is ideal for watering landscape plants. Since we bathe at least once a day this provides a constant supply. Additionally, nitrogen and phosphorous from soaps are nutrients plants love. Here are some simple guidelines for gray water use:

1)  Gray water can be used for lawn and landscape irrigation, and composting.

2)  Use only drip or flood irrigation. Do not spray gray water.

3)  Do not surface irrigate plants that produce food except for citrus and nut trees.

4)  Do not allow gray water to run off your property or to accumulate in standing pools.

5)  Do not divert gray water that contains hazardous chemicals such as harsh bath and tile cleaners, hair dyes, etc. This water should be discharged down the drain.

6)  Choose soaps which contain ammonium rather than sodium (salt) compounds as over time salt can build up in the soil and be harmful to plants. Water from salt-based soft water systems is also unsuitable for irrigation.

7)  It is best to use gray water immediately. If collected for later distribution, it must be used within 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Collection tanks must be covered to prevent access by mosquitoes or other animals and should be clearly marked as containing gray water and not suitable for drinking.

8)  Do not allow children to play in or pets to drink gray water.

9)  Hoses used for gray water must not be used for any other purpose and should be clearly marked.