One of the visions I have for California’s future waterscape is that every drop of water that travels from its trickle down the Sierra Nevadas into a river, and from a river into the maze of pipes that connect us to our water, will be recycled and appreciated before it makes its way to the ocean. Of course most of the water that is in our rivers must be left for the river, for the plants and animals that depend on the river, for our own survival and enjoyment. But for those drops that make it to our homes and business, to public buildings and parks, may each of those drops be put to good use, be recycled.

Greywater is a step towards that vision. Greywater is water that comes from your sink, shower, washing mashine, or bath tub. (It is NOT water from your toilet!) While it is non-potable water, with a simple change in plumbing, it can be directed to landscapes to feed flowers, ornamental plants and trees, and berry bushes.  What went to the sewer prematurely can be used again to feed our plants and gardens! Its one of those things that’s been around forever, that is common sense. But since the advent of modern plumbing and sanitation, general acceptance of it has been low. Now, that is all changing.

Ordinary people have been installing guerilla (ie: illegal) greywater systems forever. But now, as we realize that the amount of freshwater we have in California is not enough for our spendthrift uses and for the environment’s, state and local governments are beginning to support simple solutions like greywater recycling. Last August, California passed a law making it much easier to build a legal greywater system. Now, you do not need a permit to install a simple laundry to landscape system.

Over the next few weeks, the Sweetwater Project will be exploring greywater: how safe it is to use in your garden, how easy it is to build your own greywater system, challenges of using greywater, and greywater for public buildings.

If you’re excited to jump on the greywater train sooner than later, read up on it at Greywater Action’s site and also an incredible resource, Art Ludwig’s site for Oasis Design.