Support New California Greywater Code with Us!

California Greywater Laws Are in Review - Support the New, Less Restrictive Code in your Local Jurisdiction

August 24, 2009

The Building Standards Commission recently voted to pass the new California greywater code (Chapter 16 in the CA Plumbing Code) which will allow residents to dispel washing machine and shower greywater into their landscapes without needing a permit.

The new greywater irrigation code took effect on August 4, 2009, as a response to growing concerns over severe drought conditions and water shortages in our area. The Yard Fairy is in support of this new, less stringent code and encourages you to speak out in your community in favor of the changes.

Here is a summary of the new greywater code (as it's written now):

• A permit will no longer be needed for a washing machine greywater system as long as the system follows health and safety guidelines outlined in the code
• A permit will no longer be needed for a single fixture (one shower) if guidelines are followed
• A simple, mulch drainage basin is now a permissible form of greywater filtration
• There are less requirements for "simple" greywater drainage systems than there were before
• Acceptable depth of greywater discharge is now 2" under mulch (it was formerly 9" under dirt)

Continue reading "California Greywater Laws in Review"


Diane E Downey is the owner of The Yard Fairy Inc, a North San Diego County based award winning landscape design and installation company creating low water, low maintenance landscapes that are as functional as they are pleasing to the eye. To arrange your consultation with The Yard Fairy, please call 760 804 1661 or email info at yardfairy.com today.