Gray water in the garden
Less than a month ago, we published some reader tips on dealing with the drought, conserving water and still keeping your plants alive. More than one reader suggested catching shower water and dishwater and using it in the garden. Makes sense.
This morning, after reading a similar story in The Charlotte Observer, we published a story saying that practice is illegal.
Hmmm. Our bad. But the idea has been around since at least the 2002 drought when we published handy Q&A with city water folks, including this answer:
If you want to water flower gardens or other landscaped areas around your house, you must recycle `"gray water" from inside.
Q. What's "gray water?" It sounds gross.
A. There are lots of examples -- dishpan water, excess shower spray, the water you normally waste while you're waiting for it to get warm. Dirty bath water is another example. With that said, Kristine Williams suggests consumers be careful what type of "gray water'" they select when watering.
"Use discretion," says Williams, coordinator of Greensboro's water conservation program. "Gray water can be dangerous.'"
And illegal. Who knew?