Reusing water from the laundry, bathing, or sinks seems like an efficient way to recycle water. However, there are some drawbacks. All these sources of recycled water contain bacteria that may pose health problems. For this reason, most states regulate the use of these sources of water, called gray water, in the landscape. Check with local or state health authorities for the requirements in your area. You may need to install a filtration or settling system before you can use the gray water. Never apply it to edible crops; use it only on ornamentals. Using gray water can lead to significant water savings, but make certain that you do it right and follow the rules.
