Gray Water Legal Challenges in Georgia: The Policy Gap Between Conservation and Code

By Ben Emanuel, The Flagpole, Athens, GA
Originally published October 17, 2007

Severe drought drives interest in fundamental water-use changes. Beyond conservation, two long-term strategies gain traction: xeriscaping (native, drought-tolerant landscaping) and gray water reuse. In Athens-Clarke County, commissioners and citizens alike are pushing for clarity.

What Is Gray Water?

Previously used water from showers, baths, washing machines, and bathroom sinks—not kitchen sinks or toilets. UGA's River Basin Center (2003) found gray water comprises up to 40 gallons per person daily. A family of four could save 30,000–50,000 gallons annually.

The Regulatory Maze

Plumbing and public health codes create red tape. Officials lack information to guide citizens. Even simple practices like bucket-collecting shower water raise stormwater pollution concerns if soapy water reaches landscaping.

Systems and model codes exist (International Plumbing Code Appendix C, California's gray water code), but neither Athens-Clarke nor Georgia has adopted them. Thirteen states have gray water codes.

Local Perspectives

Ernest Earn (GA EPD): "The idea is good. Implementation is more difficult."
Mayor Heidi Davison: "We'd like to encourage use, but lack mechanisms." She's consulting EPD Director Carol Couch on public health concerns.
Paul Morgan (RainHarvest Company): Prefers California's code over International. "We don't need to reinvent the wheel." His company installs underground gray water tanks (permitted like septic systems) for drip irrigation and purple-pipe toilet systems (~$6,500).

The Path Forward

Adopting model codes would legalize systems already technically feasible. Until then, homeowners navigate a patchwork of restrictions despite clear conservation benefits.