Think Green Live Clean

We are in a drought in the west, and just this month water restrictions have been enforced in Southern California limiting shower time and sprinkler use. The area has faced such issues before, and the old slogans and suggestions such as “if its yellow, leave it mellow” or “shower with a friend” are now returning accompanied by some new solutions. After a federal government issued 7% cut in water delivery to Southern California farmers and residents, some Californians have decided to become outlaws and guerillas.

In turning to recycling and conservation, many residents have found themselves breaking state plumbing codes and regulations. They take the gray water from their washing machines, showers, and sinks and use a valve to channel and drain the water outside and into their garden. The Oakland-based group “Gray Water Guerillas” has trained over a million residents to recycle their waste water in this way. The technical regulations enforced by California codes make setting up a legal gray water system expensive and inaccessible for most residents. Permits are required and systems can cost up to $ 5,000 dollars. The Gray Water Guerillas and others are calling for a change to permit free systems  which enforces safety and prohibits contamination, but which enables more people to alter their water usage. This system has been in effect in Arizona, and many are urging the California state government to adapt. This is only one potential solution, but its growth and development epitomizes the urgency of water conservation and the pending problems that accompany water shortages.

Read the full article at NPR or Visit the ‘Gray Water Guerillas’ website