Gray water
From Water Wiki
Gray water is the waste water from common residential uses such as showers, baths, sinks and laundry. It does not include toilets.
NCDENR now views the use of gray water in some gardening to be acceptable.[1] S.L. 2008-143 (H.2499) directs the Commission on Health Services to make rules on the use of gray water:
The Commission for Health Services shall adopt rules to
authorize the use of gray water during periods of drought to hand water trees, shrubs,
and inedible plants on single-family residential property. The rules shall encourage the
use of gray water as provided in this section while protecting public health, safety,
welfare, and the environment. In developing the rules, the Commission shall review the
provisions set out in subsection (c) of this section.
The 2008 drought law goes on to direct that
untreated gray water may be used in periods of drought to hand water trees, shrubs, and inedible plants on single-family residential property under the following conditions: (1) Gray water shall be applied as soon as practicable. Untreated gray water should not be stored for later use. (2) Gray water containing hazardous chemicals including, but not limited to, residue from solvents shall not be used. (3) Use of untreated gray water is restricted to the residential property where the gray water originates. Untreated gray water shall not be allowed to run off onto adjoining property, roadways, or into drainage features such as ditches and storm drains. (4) Untreated gray water shall be applied using buckets, watering cans, or other handheld containers. Gray water may not be used in an irrigation system unless the gray water has been treated in accordance with standards set out in the State Plumbing Code. (5) Gray water shall not be applied closer than 100 feet to surface waters or a water supply well.
