Is it legal or up to code to drain my washing machine water into my yard in phoenix arizona?

Question

Is it legal or up to code to drain my washing machine water into my yard in phoenix arizona?

Answer 1

You cannot just use the water directly from your washing machine. There are systems that filter grey water. Some are mechanical, and some are biological. The biological filtration systems use ponds or  holding containers that have plants that naturally filter the grey water. You must do EXTENSIVE research on these systems and find out what the codes are in your area.

Answer 2

In Cochise County where I live we can do so easily, but Maricopa County is a bit more restrictive.

Here's an excerpt from the first link

"Graywater Regulations in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulates domestic graywater systems and, in some instances, specific counties are involved. Rules permit single and multi-family residences to use graywater for surface irrigation under certain condition s. These conditions include DEQ approval of the design and construction of the system. The system must include a settling or holding tank to settle out the grit and heavier material from the graywater. A filtration device is also required. If the graywate r is to be applied to the surface a means of disinfecting the graywater also is necessary.

DEQ has delegated authority to the health departments of Pima, Maricopa, and Yavapai counties to perform this technical review of grey water use systems."

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The second link has a phone number you can call for PHX.  It doesn't look like you need a permit per se, but you do need to know the Dos and Donts of this regulation.

Do not use grey water to irrigate edible plants.

Do not spray grey water.

For Private use only

Answer 3

I don't know the codes in Phoenix, but my sis does drain her washing machine into her yard in Tuscan.  The main thing to consider is the type of soap that you use.  You want soap that will not harm plants or the environment. Try to find laundry detergent that is completely biodegradable.

I'm giving you a link to Seventh Generation that has biodegradable laundry soap, but there are probably a lot of others that would do just as well.