Install a Greywater System
The average American uses 40 or more gallons of water every day at home. Some of this water is reusable and perfect for watering outdoors! The most common of these is called a “laundry to landscape” system. Let your socks help keep your garden green!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
Harnessing greywater can be as simple as placing a bucket in your shower to catch water to use to flush your toilets, or a more automated set up that reroutes the water from your laundry or shower directly to your garden. More complicated systems include filter and pumps and can tie into drip irrigation systems. Simple greywater systems are relatively easy to set up and can create a good steady water source for your plants. This is especially helpful in areas experiencing drought. Plus, by recycling your greywater in your garden you can lower your monthly water bill!
1Learn about greywater systems
Greywater systems go from very easy to more complicated. Learn about the options below and choose the one that is right for you.
A bucket in the shower. The simplest way to start collecting greywater is by keeping a bucket in the bathroom. Use it to collect the “warm-up” water that runs in the shower until the water is just the right temperature. This water can be used to flush toilets or water plants in your home or yard. You can also collect warm-up water from the bathroom or kitchen sink, just use a smaller bowl.
Up to 40% of household water is used for flushing toilets, which makes this a great place to use greywater! Simply pour the greywater into the toilet bowl at a decent speed until a “flush” occurs, without using the flush handle. Greywater should not be put directly into the tank, as the residue from soaps can corrode the parts inside. There is also the risk of greywater leaching into the fresh water supply, in the case of low water pressure.
Laundry to landscape. The next step up is a laundry or shower to landscape system. This is the easiest system to set up and makes a great DIY project. Just route the hose from your washing machine where water is drained to either a drum or a system of hoses that bring the water to your garden. The internal pump from the washing machine automatically pushes the water out, without the need for an extra pump. Each load of laundry creates from 10 to 40 gallons of water depending on your washing machine. If you do laundry regularly, this can be a great regular source of water for your garden!
Shower to landscape. A bit more complicated setup connects your shower to your garden. This requires a bit more plumbing to set up and also often requires a pump to deliver the water. Check out more information on a basic greywater system. Simple systems cost around $50 - $100 for parts. If you plan to install this type of system or one that ties into drip irrigation systems, you may benefit from consulting a professional.
2Install your system and start watering!
Best use of greywater in the garden. The best use of water from a simple greywater system is to water larger plants like trees, bushes, shrubs, and large annuals. It is more difficult to water lots of small plants over a large area. Make sure to match the water amounts being provided to your plants' needs. If you use greywater for plants that produce food, it is important to keep the greywater on only the roots of the plants and not any parts that will be consumed. Greywater should be used within 24 hours.
Keep your greywater safe for plants. It is also important to use safe soaps and detergents in your home so you don’t harm your plants. It’s also a good practice in general for all water uses! For a greywater system, avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach and borax or salts. Look for soap products labeled “biodegradable” or “biocompatible”.
Congrats! You’ve completed another important water-wise action and are on your way to saving water and money!