High and Dry

Officials wink at gray water use

In light of Georgia's historic drought, some state and local officials are encouraging the use of recycled gray water to save treasured outdoor plantings.

But the practice is barred under current Georgia Department of Community Health regulations, so what's a homeowner to do?

"It's a tricky question," said Tim Alee, environmental health director for Northwest Georgia Public Health District. "We're getting a lot of calls about putting a bucket in the shower or collecting bathwater to use. I can't tell you it's legal, but I don't think anyone's going to have a problem with that."

The directors of water systems around the region said they don't enforce gray water violations, and Rome City Manager John Bennett is one of many officials recommending the use.

"I think it's a good idea," Bennett said. "Anything we can do right now to conserve water is a good idea."

Alee said his concern is with gray water distribution systems -- large, piped discharges of untreated wastewater onto the ground.

Using gray water for plants or flushing toilets could almost double home water-use efficiency, according to the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences -- but it has the potential to spread diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery and hepatitis.

That's why Alee warns against using water that has been used to wash dishes.

"Most kitchen sinks have a high bacteria load that we don't want to mix out there," he said. "Sometimes gray water is dangerous."

Water containing harsh chemicals such as cleaners, thinners, solvents and drain openers should not be used, and the CAES cautions against laundry materials containing boron.

Soil and plants also can be damaged through the application of artificially softened water or treated water from swimming pools.

Preferred sources include bathroom sinks, tubs, showers and washing machines.

"There's responsible water management and irresponsible water management," Alee said. "Gray water sounds like a quick, easy solution. But if we can conserve and generate less gray water, that's what's going to help us in the long run."

By Diane Wagner, Rome News-Tribune