In Oregon, it is currently illegal to use untreated gray water. To treat and use gray water requires a permit which, in most cases, is prohibitively expensive. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is in the preliminary stages of considering changes to gray water regulations.
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Gray water is generally defined as all domestic wastewater except toilet water. This includes sink, bath, dishwasher, and laundry water and is NOT potable (drinkable). In regions with limited potable water sources, particularly during summer months, there is an increased interest in using gray water for irrigation and other uses that do not require a highly purified source.
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Be aware that gray water regulations vary from state to state! Currently in Oregon, gray water is classified as sewage and is regulated under OAR 340-071 (Oregon's onsite wastewater treatment system regulations). Treatment and reuse of gray water requires appropriate DEQ permits.
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In 2004, DEQ presented a report to the Oregon Legislature on the opportunities and barriers related to water reuse. This report contained a number of recommendations for revising the current regulations and can be viewed at the following link:
http://www.deq.state.or.us/pubs/legislativepubs/2005Reports/SB820ReuseFinalLegislativeReport.pdf
Future changes may result in greater flexibility for homeowners to reuse gray water while protecting the health of the community. However, DEQ is in the preliminary stages of this effort.
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Visit other pages in the LIMITED WATER section.
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