Figure out how you can use water multiple times before it leaves your property.

 

Water and GREYWATER

Resources to accompany Joanne Poyourow's
Greywater talks

Greywater (also spelled "graywater") is perhaps the greatest untapped resource in conventional urban Southern California.

Right now, our society has a cavalier and wasteful attitude. We also have a “use it once and send it AWAY” attitude. And we completely accept the idea that it’s okay for our water to be imported from someplace else. It’s time to rethink our paradigm about:

  • water sources
  • wastewater
  • water uses

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Most people don’t know the difference between potable water, greywater and blackwater.

  • “Potable water” means drinkable. Our city goes to great lengths (and is subjected to much regulation) to provide us with clean potable water.
  • Blackwater is the really worrisome stuff, that can potentially carry pathogens–stuff that could make us really sick if not properly handled. The blackwater category includes toilet poop, and water used to wash diapers. Kitchen sink water, in most cases, also falls into the blackwater category because of the heavy concentration of oils and fats. Don’t try to reuse blackwater–while it can be done, this is the realm of special treatment. You really have to know what you are doing.
  • Greywater/graywater is water that’s been used before, but that use didn’t contaminate it. It could easily be used again. The easiest sources of greywater in your home are the laundry machine (as long as you don’t wash poopy diapers) and the shower or bathtub. If greywater isn’t mixed with blackwater, this greywater is readily reusable. The key is: don’t store it. Never allow greywater to accumulate; get it into the soil right away.

read more about Water Wisdom

Water Sources

Rainwater Harvesting resources

Rainwater Harvesting garden (at the Community Garden at Holy Nativity) additional photos here

Rainwater Harvesting garden (at Joanne's home)

Wastewater

Greywater resources

Greywater soap and shampoo

Water uses

"Top 12 Water Saving Tips" from the City of Santa Cruz et al

LADWP water restrictions (circa May 2009)

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Photo credits: Blue showy penstemon by Joe Young;  Lizard by Joe Young; all other photos taken by the author in her garden