As water conservation becomes increasingly important for homeowners in Beaverton and across Oregon, many are exploring alternative ways to reduce their water consumption and lower utility bills. One solution gaining attention is greywater recycling—the process of reusing gently used water from sinks, showers, and laundry for irrigation or other non-potable uses. But before you jump into installing a greywater system in your Beaverton home, you probably have two big questions: Is it legal? and Is it really worth the effort and investment?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the legal framework around greywater recycling in Beaverton, discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks, and help you decide if greywater reuse is a smart choice for your home.
What Is Greywater Recycling?
Greywater refers to wastewater from household activities like bathing, handwashing, dishwashing, and laundry—but it excludes toilet and kitchen sink water, which is considered blackwater due to higher contamination levels.
Greywater recycling involves capturing this relatively clean wastewater and redirecting it—often after basic filtration—to irrigate lawns, gardens, or even flush toilets. This practice can reduce potable water usage, lower your water bills, and ease the strain on municipal water supplies.
Is Greywater Recycling Legal in Beaverton?
The good news is yes, greywater recycling is legal in Beaverton, but there are regulations you must follow.
The State of Oregon, through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), regulates greywater systems to protect public health and the environment. According to the Oregon DEQ Greywater Guidelines, residential greywater systems must:
- Use water only from sources such as bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry.
- Avoid the use of harmful chemicals or detergents that could contaminate soil or plants.
- Ensure greywater is applied only to the surface of the soil or through subsurface irrigation to prevent human contact.
- Prevent any discharge or runoff that could pollute waterways or groundwater.
Additionally, local city codes in Beaverton may have specific permit requirements or installation standards, so it’s important to check with the City of Beaverton Planning Department before installing a system.
Benefits of Greywater Recycling in Beaverton
- Significant Water Savings
Oregon’s climate, including Beaverton, sees dry summers when outdoor irrigation demand peaks. Greywater can supply much of the water your lawn and garden need during these months, potentially reducing your potable water use by up to 50% for irrigation. - Lower Water Bills
By reusing greywater, your household can cut down on the volume of treated drinking water you consume, which translates to lower monthly water bills. - Environmentally Friendly
Greywater reuse helps reduce the demand on municipal water systems and sewage treatment plants, which saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with water processing. - Promotes Plant Health
Greywater often contains nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can be beneficial to plants when used properly.
Drawbacks & Considerations
- Installation Costs and Complexity
Proper greywater systems require plumbing modifications, filtration, and sometimes pumps or timers, which can be costly upfront. - Maintenance Requirements
Greywater systems require regular maintenance to avoid clogs, odors, or health risks from stagnant water. - Legal and Permit Compliance
Failure to comply with local codes or improper installation can result in fines or forced system removal. - Limited Usage
Greywater cannot be stored long-term due to bacterial growth, and must be applied directly to soil, limiting its uses.
Is Greywater Recycling Worth It for Your Beaverton Home?
If you have a sizable garden or lawn and live in Beaverton’s dry summer climate, greywater recycling can be a smart investment—especially if your water bills are high or you want to reduce your environmental footprint.
For smaller properties or homes with minimal outdoor irrigation needs, the cost and complexity may outweigh the benefits.
Einstein Pros Beaverton Can Help
At Einstein Pros Beaverton, we specialize in helping homeowners understand and implement smart, efficient plumbing solutions—including water conservation techniques like greywater recycling. While greywater systems require careful planning and adherence to regulations, our expert plumbers can guide you through the process to ensure your system is safe, legal, and effective.
Check out our Water Conservation Tips for Beaverton Homeowners to learn more about ways to reduce water usage and save money.
Final Thoughts
Greywater recycling in Beaverton is a legal and practical way to conserve water, lower bills, and support environmental sustainability—provided you follow state and local regulations. Before installing a system, always consult with professionals and check local codes to ensure compliance and safety.
For more information on plumbing upgrades that benefit your home and the planet, visit our blog: Top Plumbing Upgrades That Boost Home Value in Beaverton.
References & Further Reading:
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Greywater Guidelines
- City of Beaverton Planning Department
- EPA WaterSense