Question 1

Which graywater sources are best for Irrigation?

Accepted Answer

Graywater re-use for New Homes is simple if the Plumbing Design is changed to Dual Waste prior to pouring the foundation.
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It’s really quite simple.  Just have all baths, tubs and laundry waste plumbed to a second waste pipe, looped back into the black waste line, at least 6’ from the foundation — leaving room for the pumping basin for later installation, or install the basin at the same time as foundation plumbing rough-in.
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We have found the average additional cost for dual plumbing in a new home ranges from $300—$400; a very small investment for the future landscape potential and protection provided.
 
Other suitable sources include AC Condensate & Foundation Drain water. Note all states permit these additional water sources. They may be called alternate water sources instead of graywater, but in locations such as Texas, state codes allow the use of these types of water with graywater irrigation.
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Avoid Hand Basins / Lavatories.
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Although waste water from these sources is classified as Graywater, our experience is this water is better utilized in the black water line, assisting in washing kitchen and commode solids down the line.

Question 2

Is soap ok for my landscape, and which soaps / detergents should I use?"

Accepted Answer

Soaps help with Irrigation, if spread over a large area
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Surfactants in soap and detergents help irrigation within soil by reducing water surface tension, making it easier for water to move within the soil. However if a large amount of soapy water is concentrated in a few holes in the ground, this could result in toxic buildup over time. This is why reservations have been raised about concentrated irrigation methods such as  Laundry to Landscape and Branched Drain gravity systems that have a limited number of mulch basins as outlet locations.
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Because IrriGRAY uses a large number of sub surface emitters covering thousands of square feet, any soap is dispersed over a very large area and therefore does not create toxicity issues. It is even possible to use aggressive agents such as chlorine e.g. Chlorox without issue.
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If you are concerned about soap in the environment, we recommend first considering the dangers of soap and detergent use inside the home. For example, instead of using very strong shower cleaners that produce potentially harmful vapors, trial some citrus oil based cleaners that do almost as good a job but present far less personal safety risk.
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Liquid vs Powder Laundry Detergent
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Powdered laundry detergent usually has at least 50% filler content, and of high sodium levels. Therefore Liquid detergents are preferred. Note that some manufacturers are claiming their products to be 'green' simply because the detergent container is made from recycled plastic, rather than any particular 'green' effect from the active ingredients.
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Bar Soap (Hand Basin and Shower Use)
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In the Graywater Collection section of this course, we discuss avoiding hand basin graywater where possible, but some locations such as Tucson, AZ have mandated the use of this water. Bar Soap, especially cheaper products have very high fat content. These soaps should be avoided because they can result in a layer of fat building up on top of or within the soil. Fats also build up quickly on the filter requiring more frequent flushing.
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Hand Soaps / Shower Shampoos and Gels are preferable for the environment and the filter alike!
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Boron based Soaps (e.g. Borax or similar)
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Boron can be toxic to plant life in medium - large quantities and should be avoided.
Fabric Softener
Like cheaper bar soaps, Fabric Softeners can contain significant levels of fat, therefore creating soil and filter issues. We recommend using dryer sheets instead of liquid fabric softener.

Question 3

What does IrriGRAY do with graywater during winter?

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

What effects will graywater have on my landscape?

Accepted Answer

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by Water ReNu

1-844-472-9426

(1-844-grayh2o)

FAQ's

Which graywater sources are best for Irrigation?

Is soap ok for my landscape, and which soaps / detergents should I use?"

What does IrriGRAY do with graywater during winter?

What effects will graywater have on my landscape?