• Since the new CA graywater code has been adopted, many cities are trying to get a handle on what are the most appropriate guidelines for graywater sites in their geographic areas. Pilot projects are providing a way to understand the ins and outs of installing  systems, as well as a means to start generating data on systems and water use. Greywater Action and the SFPUC (Public Utilties Commission) are seeking an appropriate pilot project site.  Bonus points if it can be a high profile project site!

    Site needed for a permitted greywater system in San Francisco
    The SFPUC is developing a graywater guidance document to provide education
    about legal graywater reuse. We hope to include an example project and
    permit in the document and are in need of an appropriate site. If you are
    interested in having a greywater system  from your shower or bathtub AND
    meet the ALL OF the following requirements, please reply to the email
    below.

    You must be the owner of a house located in San Francisco that has:

    1) a visible shower drain (please email a photo) If you feel comfortable
    opening a wall or ceiling to access the pipes that is fine, but we need to
    see the photo of the visible pipe.
    2) up to code plumbing- e.g. you’ve had the plumbing redone in the past 10
    years, or you understand plumbing codes and know its up to date (2″ shower
    drain, properly vented)
    3)easy way to run a new pipe from the shower drain out to the landscape
    (either strapped to the ceiling of a gargage/basement, or there is a crawl
    space to run the pipe).
    4) no patios or driveways (hardscape) between house and landscape
    5) trees, shrubs, vines, or other larger perennials to irrigate (or
    willingness to plant some) Please email a photo of the landscape
    6) able to pay between $500 to $800 for materials, permit, and plumbing
    work. (the landscaping work will be done by volunteers and you can help and
    learn about greywater systems)
    7)willingness to work through the permitting issues and have an inspector
    visit the site
    8) ability and willingness to help with the permit, including collecting
    info on the house, possibly visiting the permitting department, and respond
    to emails

    Thanks for considering!

    Please send the photo’s (plumbing and landscape), your name and contact
    info to
    laura@greywateraction.org

    Please note that is is possible to get a permit for a system that doesn’t
    meet all the above requirements, we’re trying to find an easy site to
    streamline the process for this particular project.