Graywater Systems

General Information

Graywater is untreated wastewater from bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers and clothes washers but does not include wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks or dishwashers. A graywater system is a type of onsite wastewater treatment system that utilizes trenches, subsurface drip irrigation systems, and mulch basins for wastewater disposal but can have the added benefit of using the wastewater as a subsurface irrigation source. A Clothes Washer System, which only utilizes graywater from a single clothes washer, can be installed without a permit, provided the system is installed in accordance with the Graywater System Requirements for a Single Clothes Washer. Larger graywater systems, which require more extensive plumbing modifications, require a permit. For more information on graywater systems, please see the Graywater Systems for Outdoor Irrigation Design and Procedures Manual.

The County of San Diego oversees graywater systems for the unincorporated areas of the County only. For incorporated areas (cities), please see the respective city for graywater requirements. The purpose of regulating the design, installation and maintenance of graywater systems is to prevent public and environmental health nuisance conditions caused by improper installation or maintenance. The goals of the program are:

Ensure that graywater systems can operate in all weather conditions with minimal maintenance
Prevent the contamination of surface water and groundwater from improperly designed or operated graywater systems
Prevent human and animal contact with graywater effluent
Provide public guidance on the design, installation and operation of graywater systems

Program Services | Useful Information

Program Services

Provide guidance on single washing machine graywater system design, installation and maintenance (no permit required)
Provide guidance on simple and complex graywater system design, installation and maintenance (permit required)
Conduct design review of new graywater systems
Conduct design review of repairs and modifications to existing graywater systems
Conduct installation inspections of graywater systems
Maintain design records for properties using graywater systems
Respond to citizen complaints of illegal discharges from graywater systems
Provide coordinated review with other agencies for the projects that require CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and involve the use of graywater systems

Useful Information

Chapter 16A CPC Graywater Regulations

Graywater Frequently Asked Questions

Fees

Groundwater Separation Requirements

Percolation Test Form

San Diego County Code: Onsite Wastewater System Ordinance