RECYCLE

               Gray Matters

"Gray water" is wastewater collected from clothes washers, bathtubs, showers, and laundry or bathroom sinks. If properly collected and stored, it can be safely re-used, thereby reducing fresh water consumption. Reuse of gray water can also reduce the load on septic tanks and leach fields. Gray water is distinguished from "black water", which is wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks and dishwashers. Black water should never be reused in the home because of possible contamination by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Gray water does not require extensive chemical or biological treatment before being used for landscape irrigation. Gray water can be put to other uses. It is best to use gray water on ornamental plants and lawns, or to irrigate trees, rather than on food plants, especially those that are often eaten raw; such as carrots or lettuce or herbs.