Greywater
The water from my shower could water a tree
Used water has a second job if it is routed carefully and kept moving.
A basic greywater system takes water from the washing machine, the shower and the bathroom sink and leads it below mulch to trees and shrubs. It does not store the water, because stored greywater turns quickly. We draw where each drain goes, how the water is split among the plants and what happens when the soil is full.
What goes where
Some water goes to the garden, some stays on the sewer or septic
To the landscape
Water that is mostly soap and dirt, led below mulch.
Washing machine
Shower and bath
Bathroom sink
Stays on the sewer or septic
Water with food, grease or waste in it. It doesn't belong in a basic system.
Kitchen sink and dishwasher
Toilets
Below the mulch
The plants decide how much we send
A fruit tree can take more water than a row of shrubs, and a young tree takes less than an old one. We lay out the basins, the mulch depth and the valve that lets you send the water to the sewer when it's raining or when you've used a harsh cleaner. You will also get a short list of what to keep out of the washing machine.
What you get
A valve to send it to the sewer
Basins sized to each plant
A list of what to keep out of the machine
Greywater
About greywater and permits
What is greywater, and where can it go?
Greywater is the used water from showers, bathroom sinks and the washing machine. We route it below mulch to trees and shrubs, not onto the surface. Kitchen sinks and toilets are not part of a basic system.
Do I need a permit?
Often yes, and it depends on what you are building. Anahi tells you which permits apply, prepares the paperwork and brings it to you to sign. We schedule inspections as part of the job.
Do you work with builders and landscape designers?
Yes, and it goes better when we start from the plans. Send the roof plan or the planting plan and we draw the water so it meets them.
Bring the plant list
A sketch of the yard and where the drains leave the house is enough to start.