"Gray water" refers to household cleaning water harvested for use on plants. Typical sources are the water  used for bathing, washing dishes and washing clothes.

It is very important to use appropriate cleaners for the gray water collected from bathing, washing dishes and washing clothes. Use low phosphate soaps and avoid bleaches or other cleaning agents. For the long-term health of the soil, alternate waterings between gray water and potable water or collected rainwater. Fertilize the soil with micro-biologically active agents such as organic compost and composted manure to break down unwanted chemical agents in the gray water.

Use Shower Water

Place a bucket or pan on the shower floor to collect water. After showering, empty the bucket into a larger container such as a large plastic trash can. Then fill a watering can from the large container.

Another way to collect shower water is to plug the tub drain and bail the water out after showering or use a swamp cooler pump and hose.

Use Hand-Dishwashing Water

Use a plastic tub set in the to wash and rinse dishes, then empty it onto plants or into a collection reservoir.

Use  Washing Machine Water

Extend the drain hose from the washing machine to a collection reservoir. Take water as needed from the tank.

Alternatively, direct the drain hose into a bucket and carry the full bucket to the plants. Be sure the bucket is big enough, and be sure to monitor the drain cycle to avoid overflowing.

Install a Whole House System

A gray water system can be built into a house during construction or added to an existing home with plumbing accessed via a crawl space. These systems usually consist of an underground tank, a pump and separate drain lines from the bath, shower, kitchen sinks and washing machine.

Gray water systems often employ an automatic pump and float switch so that the collection tank is automatically evacuated to the outdoor watering system whenever the tank's water level gets to a set point. On-demand systems use a manual switch or timer to control watering times.

For details about the safe use gray water click here to read the New Mexico State University's guidelines. Click here to visit the New Mexico Environment Department for information about regulations.