From Your Bathtub to Your Garden?

Water conservationists have long called for the reuse of water that is now going down the drain as a way to cut down on drawing more water from already taxed reservoirs.

Tuesday afternoon they could have their wish come true as the Santa Cruz City Council votes on a measure that will allow "graywater," used water from bathtubs and washing machines, to be used again to water lawns and plants.

The State already has relaxed its graywater standards, but Santa Cruz's current ordinance forbids releasing used water anywhere but to drains and sewers.

Under the proposed new ordinance, the city and county would review graywater systems the same way they now review septic systems built in the city. 

Graywater systems will need a control valve so that in the rainy season the water will be directed to the sewers and prevent flooding.  Systems will have to be cleared by the County Environmental Health Services staff and then the owners would apply to the city for a plumbing permit.

Permit costs would be $176.51 for the city permit and $115 for the county review. The costs of installing such systems for homeowners range from $1,000 for washing machines to $3,500 for household sinks and tubs.