Well Water Program

In Oregon, it is currently legal to use gray water. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has the current regulations available along with the different Tiers and permit types. 

Defined

Under Oregon law, graywater includes wastewater discharged from showers and bathtubs, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks and laundry machines. Graywater does not include toilet discharge, garbage wastes (kitchen sinks with garbage disposal units) or wastewater contaminated by soiled diapers.

Graywater can be contaminated with organic matter, suspended solids or potentially pathogenic microorganisms. However, if appropriately collected and handled, graywater can be safely reused for flushing toilets and urinals as well as irrigating certain trees and plants. Reuse of graywater reduces the demand on other sources of water, such as potable water, surface water and groundwater.

Regulations vary

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.