[OKC] FW: Lawmakers Approve 'Gray Water' Legislation

[Shauna Struby]

fyi

 

From: Eric Bradshaw [mailto:Eric.Bradshaw at okhouse.gov] 
Sent: Wednesday, March 09, 2011 3:28 PM
To: Eric Bradshaw
Subject: Lawmakers Approve 'Gray Water' Legislation

 



 

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Media Division

March 9, 2011

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: State Rep. Scott Martin

Capitol: (405) 557-7329

 

Lawmakers Approve 'Gray Water' Legislation

 

OKLAHOMA CITY - Legislation approved by the Oklahoma House of
Representatives would encourage the use of private residential "gray water"
reuse by creating a permit exemption for gray water systems that use less
than 250 gallons of gray water per day.

            House Bill 1575, by state Rep. Scott Martin, defines gray water
as untreated household wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet
waste or water from a kitchen sink. The legislation directs the Department
of Environmental Quality to exempt private residential gray water reuse
systems that meet a series of rules including that they make use of less
than 250 gallons of gray water per day. A gray water system would be used
for gardening, composting or landscape irrigation.

            "Water is quickly becoming the new oil," Martin, R-Norman, said.
"It's one of our greatest natural resources and in my opinion will only
become more important as new strains and stresses are put on our drinking
water supply. I believe common sense reuse is good policy and I'm thrilled
that my colleagues recognize its importance. Other states in the Southwest
have utilized reuse for many years and I'm hopeful in the not-to-distant
future Oklahoma will be able to enjoy its benefits.

"Many parts of Oklahoma have experienced some unique strains on their water
systems in the recent past. Increased demand is often met with rationing or
other less desirable results. Many Oklahoma communities took an extra hit
when the federal government chose to make severe changes to arsenic
standards a few years ago. With these and other demands, clean safe drinking
water is becoming more precious by the day. Inserting minimal reuse into the
options people have to manage their personal water use will be of great
assistance and makes good sense. On top of that, the average consumer has
the potential to realize some savings on their monthly water bill through
conservation."

            Gray water systems that would be exempt would have to:

*	provide for overflow into the sewer or on-site wastewater treatment
and disposal system;
*	include cover for any gray water storage tank to avoid the creation
of a habitat for mosquitoes and other insects;
*	be located outside of a floodway and five feet above the groundwater
table;
*	clearly identify gray water pressure piping as a non-potable water
conduit;
*	be used on site and not run off the property;
*	minimize the potential for contact with people or domestic pets;
*	minimize standing water and ensure the hydraulic capacity of the
soil is not exceeded;
*	avoid spraying or discharge into a waterway;
*	be in compliance with municipal or county ordinances;

             

            Martin noted that gray water systems could incorporate the use
of rain water.

            "I believe innovation and conservative water use should always
be encouraged," Martin said. "I was proud to see the legislation pass."

            House Bill 1575 passed unanimously and now proceeds to the
Senate for consideration.

 

-30-

 

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