San Marcos is Going Gray

San Marcos passed a gray water ordinance today, allowing builders to install water reuse systems.  Gray water refers to water from sinks, washing machines, and showers that is safe for reuse in gardening, landscaping, and other outdoor uses (like foundation damage prevention).  Water from these household appliances is rerouted and redistributed in outdoor sprinkler systems rather than treated along with used toilet water.  I'm sure you can imagine the savings in water, energy, money, and infrastructure that result from gray water systems.

Other countries have used gray water systems extensively for years, but such systems have been slow to catch on in the US (probably from a misconception that the water is dirty).  Gray water does not include used toilet water, which is always sent to a treatment plant. 

I hope Austin follows San Marcos' footsteps in encouraging this great way to save aquifer water.  Incentives would be a great way to get developers and homeowners on board.