How do greywater systems work, and are they safe to use?

Greywater systems reuse the water from your shower, bath, and washing machine to irrigate your lawn or garden. They filter the water and send it outside immediately, so there’s no storage tank and no limit on capacity. A plumber can install the system quickly, making it an easy way to cut water use and lower utility costs.

TL;DR

• Greywater systems reuse water from showers, baths, and washing machines for irrigation.
• They filter the water and send it outdoors—no storage tank needed.
• A family of four can save up to 40,000 gallons of water per year.
• Greywater reduces strain on septic systems and lowers water bills.
• Greywater is safe when using low-phosphorus detergent; blackwater is never included.

The greywater system is a compact unit that resembles a small recycling container. It captures water from your washing machine, bath, and shower and filters it before releasing it outdoors for irrigation. Because the system doesn’t store water, it has unlimited capacity and can be installed easily by a professional plumber.

How does it save money?

Every time you run a load of laundry, the greywater system redirects that water outside to irrigate your lawn or garden. This reduces your household water use and lowers the volume of water entering your septic systems. A family of four can save up to 40,000 gallons of water per year while protecting their septic system from excess wear.

Is it safe?

Greywater is defined as water from showers, baths, and washing machines, and it is safe for outdoor irrigation. The system filters out lint and debris, and the mild soap in the water can even add nutrients to the soil. To keep the system safe, simply choose a detergent with low or no phosphorus.

“Blackwater” from kitchen sinks, dishwashers, and toilets is never used in a greywater system.