NEWS RELEASE
October 12, 2004
Contact:
Kiran Bhayani, Division of Water Quality, 801-538-6080
(Salt Lake City, Utah) - While facing the fifth year of drought conditions in the fourth fastest growing state, the Utah Water Quality Board has adopted a rule allowing the use of gray water for subsurface irrigation. As an alternative method of conservation, a productive use of gray water can save on upgrades and expansion of water and wastewater facilities, conserve energy, and reduce pollution in waterways. It is estimated that in 2050 Utah will need 125 billion gallons of additional water supply. It is projected that 131 billion gallons could be saved through all conservation methods.
Gray water does not include water from toilets, kitchen sinks, dishwashers, photo lab sinks and garage floor drains. It does include water reused from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks and washing machines. Using gray water conserves fresh water resources, but it can only be used for subsurface irrigation of nonedible landscape plants. While gray water contains nutrients healthy for plant life, it can also contain bacteria and viruses that could be harmful to people.
Using gray water requires a recycling system, which typically includes storage, subsurface drip irrigation or drainfields to distribute water below the surface. Installations are limited to single-family residences for subsurface irrigation to prevent human contact with the water.
Cost of installation of a gray water system may range from $4,000 for new systems to $10,000 in retrofit situations.
The Utah Water Quality Board will delegate the approval authority of gray water usage to local health departments based on adequate resources for administration, technical capability, demonstration of legal authority, and support from the County Commission and Board of Health for implementation and enforcement. A local health department could review, approve, inspect and oversee gray water systems installed within its jurisdiction. The health department may require third-party operation, maintenance and repair contract, and fees for approval and oversight of these systems. Please contact your local health department for further assistance and approvals.