All About Gray Water | What Is Gray Water and How to Use It

Ever heard of gray water? If you haven’t, then I think it’s probably time you know what it is and what wonders it can do for your home.

All About Gray Water

You may be surprised, but there are certain water classifications: clear water, gray water and black water. I’m sure you know about clear water and probably have an idea with what black water is, but what is gray water? Well to give you a quick definition, gray water is the waste that comes from your sinks, showers, washing machines, and the like.

So what does it have to do with your home? Knowing how to properly utilize this waste and repurpose it can actually save you a lot of money. If you want to find out more about how it works, just check out this infographic!

via Fix.com

Making Use of Gray Water In Your Home

Know Your Water

Clear Water

• Faucet/Tap

Gray Water

• Baths
• Bathroom sinks
• Washing machines

Black Water

• Toilet
• Dishwashers
• Kitchen drains

Life Cycle of Properly Utilized Gray Water

How Thirsty is Your Garden?

Calculate the long-term savings you could make by installing a gray-water system in your home.

Formula:

Land x Water x Weeks x Cost = Money Saved!

• Land – Your land in square feet
• Water – Gallons of water needed to water each square foot
• Weeks – Weeks you water your land per year
• Cost – Cost per gallon of water on electric bill

Is Gray Water Right For Your Plants?

Plants best suited for gray water irrigation:

• Oaks
• Honeysuckle
• Roses
• Juniper
• Bearded iris

Plants not suited for gray water irrigation:

• Foxgloves
• Primrose
• Deodar cedar
• Bleeding hearts
• Ferns

Good to know right? I’m sure that will make you rethink about all the water the goes down your drain. It’s not suited for all kinds of plants but at least now you have a quick guide you can refer to anytime. Let us know what you think below in the comments section. 🙂

If you like this, you’ll love this DIY Rainwater Collection System!