What is greywater?

Greywater is household water that comes from your shower, bath, sink and / or laundry and is then recycled. The average person uses over 25 gallons of water (including greywater) per day! Greywater is also spelled graywater and grey water.

Is a permit required to install a Greywater System?

Laundry to landscape systems and rain barrel systems do not require a permit, but a shower greywater system does require a permit. Our staff would be happy to walk you through the permit requirements as they may vary by city and county. We are here to guide you through the process.

Are there rebates or grants that could help fund these systems in my home?

Yes! Depending on the county and city you live in, you may be eligible for a rebate for greywater systems instillation. Check out our Rebates page to learn more.

How long does the installation process take?

Most laundry to landscape installations will take from 4 to 8 hours to complete, so we are in and out with a given day. Shower systems will take two days to complete. Rain catchment systems will typically take one day to install.

How do I get started?

First, fill out the form on our Contact Us page. Our staff will reach out to you within 48 hours to follow up about your home greywater installation. We will discuss which types of system(s) will work best with your home / landscape, summarize city / county rebate options, and discussion how the permit process works (if applicable). At the end of our initial phone consultation, we will schedule an on site visit and / or installation date!

Should I use a different laundry detergent with my laundry to landscape system?

Yes. A detergent with a low salt content and without boron is best for your soil, bushes, trees and shrubs.

Do I need to replace the mulch in the basins for my Laundry to Landscape system? How often?

The mulch will naturally decompose and compact over time. Our recommended upkeep is to remove the partially decomposed mulch and replace it with fresh mulch every two years. An alternative to fully turning over the mulch around your basin is to top-off your partially decomposed mulch with added fresh mulch every two years.

How much water am I expected to save?

How much water you save depends on which type of system you install and what the typical weekly water usage looks like in your household.

How much water will I save with Laundry to Landscape?

A typical load of laundry uses 20 - 50 gallons of water per load. In Laundry to Landscape, 100% of the water from every load of laundy is diverted directly into your garden instead of being sent to the sewer! How much water you divert on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis varies based on laundry use and the number of people in your household.

How much water will I save with Shower Greywater System?

A typical shower will produce in excess of 20,000 gallons of water per year! This estimate is based on 2 people showering for approximately 10 minutes per shower everyday. A household with more than 2 people likely sends even more shower water into the sewer system annually. The shower greywater system diverts 100% of the water from your shower into your garden instead of sending it to the sewer!

How much water will I save with Rainwater Catchment System?

A 1,500 square foot roof in the Bay Area will produce 15,000 gallons of water runoff annually! A Rainwater Catchment systems can store some or all of the water runoff that your roof produces. The amount of water collected / stored will depend on annual rainfall and on the storage capacity of your catchment system.

It has been raining and I do not want to overwater my plants, is there a way to turn off the Laundry or Shower System temporarily?

Yes, you can turn off the system at any time. All greywater systems are installed with a three way valve. The valve allows for two settings “water to landscape” or “water to sewer.” Your household may choose to use the “water to sewer” option during times of heavy rainfall or when using a soap or detergent that is not recommended for greywater use.

Can I water my lawn with a greywater system?

We do not provide grewywater to lawn water systems. While there are systems available on the market that can use greywater to water a lawn, these systems are more active, expensive and require more extensive household maintenance (changing filters). These lawn greywater systems also tend to break more often due to their complexity. At Grey Water Landscape Design, our installations are designed to provide simplistic elegance that is robust and reliable.