Learn How to Recycle Your 'Graywater' In Free Workshops Hosted by Marin County

The statewide drought and global water issues are not reversing tide, so it’s an excellent time to learn about graywater reuse – what it is, why it matters, how repurposing conserves drinking water, and how residents can install a graywater system at home.

Marin County Environmental Health Services is sponsoring free educational workshops as part of its Go Green With Graywater program. Primarily focused on irrigation systems for homeowners, the workshops address “Laundry to Landscape,” the simplest graywater system to use. The next session will be at 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 28, at the Tamalpais Community Center, 203 Marin Ave., in Mill Valley. 

The late-summer workshop will for both residential and commercial graywater systems, including use of recycled water. It is set for 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., in Novato.

The workshops will be open to all but especially appropriate for do-it-yourselfers as well as plumbers, landscapers and other contractors. For a preview, check the “Laundry to Landscape” pamphlet.

Graywater is often defined as household wastewater that does not contain serious contaminants. Most of it is generated by baths, showers and clothes washers. Wastewater generated by toilets, kitchen sinks and dishwashers is called blackwater.

Recent changes in California law make repurposing graywater more accessible for homeowners who want to reuse graywater to conserve fresh water use. The workshop is part of Marin’s work to teach the community about graywater reuse and encourage residents to install safe graywater systems in accordance with health and building practices.

For more information about the County’s graywater workshops or policies, check the webpage or call 415-473-6907.