Draining laundry water on the lawn...

**Sari** · 04-18-2006, 06:22 PM

I've read that you shouldn't do that on food gardens unless you use a special, biodegradable detergent, but does it matter just for grass? I know definitely not if I'm using bleach in the cycle. I'm just thinking it might be a good way to save some water (wouldn't really have to water the lawn).

**YankeeMom** · 04-18-2006, 07:34 PM

We lived in an old farmhouse growing up. The washer drained directly out of the house and out onto the lawn. It didn't bother the grass or the trees nearby.

The only thing I would worry about is the detergents getting into well water, yours or anyone else's nearby. Or even a body of water, a creek or stream...

**PrairieRose** · 04-19-2006, 08:13 AM

In lots of states this is considered "grey water" and is prohibited from being used to water with. You might need to check in your state, county or province to be sure about this. I think it's ok for the grass though

guest7 · 04-19-2006, 08:39 AM

I agree with the above. If there is well water nearby- it's a no-no. Check to see if any neighbors have well water. If so... don't chance it. You just don't know where the underground stream runs into.

But, on the other hand... If there is no well water... water away!

**Libby** · 04-23-2006, 11:19 PM

Oddly enough, this was discussed earlier today!

If your house is on a septic tank system, try to get a quote to see how much it would cost to get the 'waste water' from laundry, showering and kitchen sink to 'filter' through a well of rocks. All the food particles aka CHUNKS will get stuck on the rocks (or filtered) and then the water will continue to pass down and go into the ground to be recycled naturally. Plus the septic tank wont have to be emptied as often b/c its not full of 'waste water'.

This whole system is minimum 4 ft below ground surface I think. Im not sure what its called but then again I should've paid more attention when this was discussed