La Verne : ‘Gray Water’ Use Advances

An ordinance that will allow property owners to use so-called “gray water” from bathtubs, showers, wash basins and washing machines for underground watering of large plants was given initial approval by the City Council on Monday.

However, the proposal prohibits the use of water from kitchen sinks, toilets and washing machines used to clean diapers.

Under the proposed measure, a gray water system would be allowed only if a homeowner’s soil can absorb enough water to make it work properly.

In general, such systems would be required to have vented holding tanks with overflow drains to the existing sewer system. The water would spread from the tanks through perforated pipes into gravel-lined trenches.

The council set a hearing on the ordinance for its Dec. 16 meeting.