[quote=UCGal]
The only saving grace is we haven’t implemented our gray water system for irrigation. We’ve got it planned, but not implemented yet. This is definitely discouraging us from implementing it for the near term.
[/quote]

If you think that gray water irrigation is all fun and games and instant savings, think again.

– You cannot use gray water in sprinklers, because airborne gray water is a health hazard and a big no-no.

– You cannot use gray water in drip lines, because naturally occurring impurities (such as hair) will quickly clog your lines. If you attempt to filter out impurities to the level that allows you to use drip lines, you’ll have to change filters so often that you’ll spend far more on filters than you’ll save on your water bill.

– You cannot take your gray water directly to your plants, because hot water from your washing machine will scald the roots and they’ll die.

– If you try to avoid storing too much gray water in an intermediate tank, there are two options. The whole system must be fully gravity-assisted or you must install a water pump (similar to a sump pump), which will cost you money, eat electricity 24/7, and require maintenance.

– You can avoid a 24/7 pump if hook up your system to a timer and water once a day. But then you’ll need a big tank which could cost you to the tune of $500. You don’t want to go less frequently than once a day, because graywater can’t be stored for too long before it turns into blackwater.