UPDATE: The Boulder City Council has just announced a two-year ban on the use of gray water systems across the city, impacting potential users immediately. This decision aligns with a 2024 Colorado state law that allows gray water systems in new constructions, but municipalities can choose to opt out.
Gray water, which refers to recycled water from sources like sinks, showers, and appliances, is often repurposed for irrigation. However, city officials are prioritizing compliance with state regulations over immediate implementation, putting plans for gray water reuse on hold until at least 2025.
City staffers recognize the importance of gray water in conserving precious water resources. Still, they emphasized the need for a comprehensive framework to manage its use safely. Implementing a robust gray water system will involve adopting new regulations, creating a permitting process, conducting inspections, and maintaining a database of approved systems to prevent contamination of drinking water.
For context, a laundry-to-landscape gray water system allows homeowners to divert water from washing machines directly to irrigation systems. However, city officials estimate that developing a city-wide gray water system would require at least two full-time positions and a commitment of two years to establish necessary infrastructure.
Some conservationists advocate for gray water systems as a sustainable alternative to fresh water for irrigation. A memo from city staff referenced a project by CU Boulder that collected gray water from the Williams Village dormitory between 2013 and 2023. The project aimed to demonstrate gray water’s potential for conservation, though it fell short of expected water savings.
Public engagement around the gray water issue has raised concerns. Planning Board Chair Mark McIntyre expressed dissatisfaction with the city’s current engagement efforts, stating that the ordinance is “too broad and blunt” in its prohibitions. He called for a more nuanced approach that engages a wider range of stakeholders to better achieve sustainability goals.
As the situation develops, residents of Boulder are encouraged to stay informed about potential changes and the implications of this ban on their water conservation efforts. The council’s decision marks a significant shift in how gray water systems will be approached in the city, emphasizing the need for careful planning and community input.
Residents are urged to share their thoughts and concerns as the city navigates these new regulations, highlighting the urgent need for clear communication and community involvement in sustainability efforts. As the Boulder City Council continues to evaluate its strategies, the next steps for implementing gray water systems remain to be seen.
