Greywater is water that has been used in washing machines, bathroom showers and tubs, and bathroom and laundry sinks. Though not suitable for drinking or cooking, this water is a good resource for landscape irrigation as an alternative to using potable water. Installing a greywater system to re-use this water is a great way to make the most of our limited water resources. 

Visit Tucson Water’s website for more information about using greywater:

http://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/greywater

Download AZDEQ’s brochure on using greywater:http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/permits/download/graybro.pdf

Arizona Tax Credits for Water Conservation (ends Jan. 2012)

Effective January 1, 2007, Arizona taxpayers who install a “water conservation system” (defined as a system to collect rainwater or residential greywater) in their residence may take a one-time tax credit of 25% of the cost of the system up to a maximum of $1,000. Builders are eligible for an income tax credit of up to $200 per residence unit constructed with a water conservation system installed. Click here to download information about the tax credit from the AZ Dept. of Revenue.

Review Brad Lancaster’s list of greywater resources:http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/greywater-harvesting/

Review the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center’s article “Home Use of Graywater, Rainwater Conserves Water--and May Save Money” at http://wrrc.arizona.edu/arroyo/071rain.html

Use reclaimed water for irrigation. Tucson Water has been delivering reclaimed water to customers for irrigation use for more than 20 years. Visit http://cms3.tucsonaz.gov/water/reclaimed to learn more about Tucson’s reclaimed water program and how to become a reclaimed water customer.

Wash your vehicle at home. One visit to the car wash can use 55 gallons of water or more. Wash your car at home out of a one gallon bucket and use a spray nozzle for rinsing. If you park your car on your lawn or front yard, you can give your lawn a free watering with the greywater that runs off.