Grand Junction City Council recently approved a Graywater Control Program Ordinance. The regulations will 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 Valley Water Conservation Plan and the One Grand Junction Comprehensive Plan.
“Graywater” is limited to discharges from bathroom and laundry room sinks, bathtubs, showers, and washing machines within residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional buildings. Graywater does not include the wastewater from toilets, urinals, kitchen sinks, dishwashers, or non-laundry utility sinks.
The regulations will allow use of graywater for subsurface irrigation and indoor toilet and urinal flushing. Subsurface irrigation systems will require the use of mulch beds or below grade emitters. Indoor reuse will require 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. The city plans to pursue grant funding this year to establish an incentive or rebate program to help property owners and builders partially offset the costs of equipment, permitting fees, and connection fees. Grant funding would be available in early 2023.
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Contact; Sara Spaulding, Communications & Engagement Director | 970-985-8180 or saras@gjcity.org