In 2022, Grand Junction City Council approved a Graywater Control Program Ordinance. The regulations allow use of graywater for subsurface irrigation and indoor toilet and urinal flushing. The ordinance establishes new permitting, inspection, and enforcement regulations for graywater systems within the city in accordance with state Regulation 86. With the installation of graywater systems, a household of four can typically save about 20,000 gallons per year which supports water conservation goals set forth in the Grand Junction Regional Water Efficiency Plan and the One Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan.
Subsurface irrigation systems will require the use of mulch beds or below-grade emitters. Indoor reuse will require the installation of graywater treatment works that meet national standards for residential water reuse to ensure public safety. Subsurface irrigation systems can cost from $200 to $2,000 while indoor reuse systems can range from $2,500 to $20,000 depending on whether systems are installed as part of new building construction or retrofit of an existing building.