US environmental commission approves grey water reuse rules

The US state of Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission has approved rules that will create a new programme to permit grey water reuse and disposal systems.

Grey water includes wastewater from showers, baths, laundry and kitchen sinks.

Under the new rules, individuals, businesses and other organisations may obtain a permit from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality to use grey water for beneficial purposes, such as irrigation.

Ron Doughten, water reuse programme coordinator for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, said that grey water reuse and disposal systems can help preserve limited water supplies and support sustainability while protecting public health and the environment.