Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Defining Terms: Greywater, Blackwater And Clearwater, Roslynn Brain, Jeremy Lynch, Kelly Kopp

Natural Resources

Why irrigate with treated drinking water when you can meet your irrigation needs through an effective greywater system?

What is greywater*? Greywater includes all wastewater generated in the home, except toilet water (which is considered “blackwater”). In Utah, kitchen sink and dishwasher water are also categorized as “blackwater”. Greywater is an abundant resource in both residential and commercial buildings. According to Brad Lancaster of the Watershed Management Group in Tucson, Arizona, “greywater harvesting is the practice of directing greywater to the primary root zone (top 2 feet or 0.6m of the soil) of perennial plants to help grow beautiful and …