Receive up to $200 per home, by installing a gray water recycling system. Gray water is water that has been used in the shower, bathroom sink or clothes washer. Gray water typically contains limited amounts of detergent and organic material and is an ideal source of irrigation for high-water-use plants.   

  

Rebate Application Checklist:

  1. Review the Rebate Terms and Conditions.
  2. Consider if your project qualifies for another rebate. Projects that include a smart controller update or irrigation system upgrade may qualify for the High-Efficiency Irrigation Rebate. A separate application is required for each rebate.
  3. Be sure that you understand the rules and best practices. The system must be in compliance with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Best Management Practices.
  4. Design and install your system. Be sure to consult a plumber for any changes to indoor plumbing. It may be a good idea to consult with a gray water professional when designing the gray water system. 
  5. Complete the Rebate Form. Upon approval, it will take approximately six to eight weeks to receive the rebate check.

WaterConservationButtons2

Laundry-to-Landscape Gray Water Systems

One example of a gray water system is the laundry-to-landscape method. This system allows reuse of the water used to wash clothing to irrigate landscape plants. A properly designed system allows you to switch between sewer and landscape pipes with a simple turn of the valve, so that you only water plants when needed. Water that enters the sewers will be cleaned and re-used regionally to water non-food crops, generate energy or replenish riparian habitats.  

WMG_L2L_Pipes

    Photo credit: Watershed Management Group

Switch the valve back to the landscape, and your plants will get laundry water directed to the root zone through tubing, such as 1" polyethylene tubing. It is preferred that the water is going to be used within a mulched basin to ensure infiltration into the soil. The picture below shows the layout of the tubing before work is completed and soil and mulch is added to hide the tubing.

WMG_L2L_Tubing

    Photo credit: Watershed Management Group

A mulched basin is ideal for receiving the gray water from a laundry-to-landscape system or any other gray water system. Mulch hides the gray water and prevents pets or children from playing in the water. Organic mulch helps prevent evaporation by soaking up the water and overtime will break down and increase the richness of your soil. Creating a basin prevents the water from running off and helps direct water to the root zones of plants, which are full of young roots that can take in water for the plant.

WMG_L2L_Enduse

    Photo credit: Watershed Management Group

Questions?

Contact 480-350-8351 or email conservation@tempe.gov.