Oregon Proposal for Graywater Reuse: Submit Feedback!

The reuse of graywater is one of several mechanisms which can be used to achieve water conservation through the soft-path approach rather than the traditional hard-path of large-scale technology solutions. Here is a little background on the newly proposed rule from the DEQ Proposed Rulemaking Announcement:

Increasing demand on Oregon’s limited water resources has prompted public interest in using graywater as an alternate water source. Graywater is wastewater originating from showers, baths, bathroom sinks, kitchen sinks and laundries. Graywater does not include toilet or garbage wastes, or wastewater contaminated by soiled diapers. Although it may contain a complex mixture of organic matter, suspended solids, bacteria and common household chemicals, when used judiciously and in a manner that is protective of public health and the environment, graywater can help preserve limited water supplies while advancing the environmental ethic of reusing and recycling limited resources.

To clear up any confusion: Passing a ruling for the permission of greywater reuse and disposal systems does not mean that your neighbors poo-infested water will be sent directly to your tap (although it currently makes its journey to your local wastewater treatment facility for cleaning before the water is pumped to your tap). What this ruling will establish is a program where interested individuals may apply for permits to reuse their own graywater from such water-appliances as showers, baths, sinks and washing machines, to be recycled and used in their own home or commercial facility for irrigation purposes.

As stated in the DEQ ruling announcement, these rules would:

• Establish a public policy to encourage reuse of graywater for beneficial purposes such as irrigation
• Establish general requirements for all graywater reuse and disposal systems necessary to protect public health and the environment
• Define three types of graywater based on level of treatment and identify reuse activities, treatment and monitoring requirements, setbacks, access and exposure controls, and site management practices necessary to protect public health and the environment
• Establish design and construction standards for graywater reuse and disposal systems
• Create a three-tier permitting system that defines permitting requirements based primarily on the volume of graywater produced
• Establish requirements for entering into agreements with local governments to act as program agents

An article on Oregonlive.com covering this ruling proposal states:

The draft "graywater" regulations require homeowners, schools, businesses, apartment complexes and others to apply for permits costing at least $50 a year before installing irrigation systems using water from showers, baths, sinks or washers....

*Typical households generate just over 100 gallons a day from graywater sources, which together make up about 60 percent of household use. Any low-volume generators of less than 300 gallons a day would not have to treat graywater. *

Paying $50 a year for the ability to recycle up to 60% of household water use? That seems like an incredible opportunity for both water conservation and irrigation-related water bill savings to me.

There will be four public hearings throughout the state providing opportunity to have your voice heard, supporting these new rulings. These hearings will provide a brief overview of the proposed rules followed by the opportunity for public oral and written comment. The four hearings will take place:

• Portland, Wednesday, Feb. 23, 5 p.m.; DEQ Headquarters, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Room EQC-A (10thfloor).
• Bend, Thursday, Feb. 24, 5 p.m.; DEQ Bend Office, 475 NE Bellevue, Suite 110.
• Eugene, Wednesday, March 2, 5 p.m.; DEQ Eugene Office, 165 East 7th Ave., Suite 100.
• Ashland, Thursday, March 3, 5 p.m.; Pioneer Hall, 73 Winburn Way.

All comments in regards to this ruling are due to DEQ by 5 pm Friday, March 11, 2011. Any comments submitted after this deadline will not be considered in the rule-making process. Any written comments may be mailed to Ron Doughten, Oregon DEQ, WAter Quality Division, 811 SW Sixth Ave., Portland, OR 97204. Comments may also be faxed to Ron Doughten at (503) 229 - 6037, or emailed to: graywaterrules@deq.state.or.us

For more information on the proposed rules, or with questions regarding the public hearings or comment submittal, please contact Ron Doughten at (503) 229 - 5472.

In addition to making comment directly to the DEQ, especially folks who have seen similar graywater reuse laws passed in different states, please leave comments at the bottom of this post with recommendations, suggestions or examples of what has worked in other states to see these rulings succeed! Lets all work together to help make Oregon an even better place!