- Greywater must be distributed at least:
- 18 inches from the property line;
- 2 feet from buildings;
- 50 feet from any septic tank or leach field; and
- 100 feet from wells, waterways, or other water sources.
- Greywater piping/tubing and the diverter (3-way) full-port ball valve shall be the same diameter as or larger than the clothes washer drain hose. Typically, 1-inch diameter
- The end of the main-line tubing shall be left fully open (allow a continuous unobstructed greywater route from the clothes washer to the landscape; never use a valve or plug on the distribution point furthest away from the clothes washer.)
- The greywater system shall:
- Not include a potable water connection, filters, nor a pump. (Note: The pump in a clothes washer is not considered part of the greywater system.)
- Not connect to overhead (spray) irrigation. The system cannot connect to a conventional irrigation system.
- Be designed to prevent clogging of any emitters.
- Be designed and installed to prevent contact with humans and pets.
- Be labeled with, “Caution: Non-potable greywater. Do not drink.
- Include a diverter (3-way) full-port ball valve to allow the user to direct the flow of greywater between the greywater system and the sanitary sewer/septic system. Include an auto vent (or an in-line vent or an air-admittance valve).
- The diverter valve and auto vent assembly:
- Must be installed at least 6 inches above the flood rim (typically the top) of the clothes washer.
- Must be easily accessible and labeled. Labeling shall indicate which direction to turn the diverter valve’s handle to send greywater to either the landscape or the sanitary sewer/septic system, respectively. The diversion valve must be clearly labeled and easily accessible.
- Shall be used to direct to the sanitary sewer/septic system all wastewater derived from activities that could create health issues. These activities include, but are not limited to:
- Washing diapers or similarly soiled garments,
- Washing greasy or oily rags,
- Cleaning car parts,
- Disposal of waste solutions from photo labs, and
- Other activities that contain hazardous chemicals.
- Any perforations in the building created during installation are properly sealed or patched.
- Greywater systems are not suitable for lawns, small or potted plants, raised beds, pH-sensitive plants, established never irrigated plants, very low water use plants, and edible gardens.