Water

Reducing Water Use

There are many ways to reduce the amount of water used inside and outside of a building.

Indoor Water Use

• Water fixtures and appliances

  - Fix leaks, retrofit existing fixtures, and look for low new flow models.
  • Tips from Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) Opens a New Window. 
  • WaterSense – EPA’s water efficient label program for products Opens a New Window. 

• Graywater

  - Oregon has approved the reuse of wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks and washing machines for flushing toilets.

  Oregon Smart Guide on Water Conservation Systems (Graywater) Opens a New Window.  State regulations for use of Graywater for flushing toilets in homes Opens a New Window.

  State regulations for use of graywater for flushing toilets in commercial buildings Opens a New Window.  Oregon Plumbing Code standards for use of graywater - see Chapter 16 Opens a New Window.

• Rainwater

  – Rainwater collected from a roof can be used for non-potable uses like flushing toilets and washing clothes, as well as for drinking water, if treated properly.

  Oregon regulations for using rainwater for non-potable uses Opens a New Window.  Oregon regulations for using rainwater for potable uses Opens a New Window.

  Oregon Building Code Appendix M – Rainwater Harvesting Systems Opens a New Window.  Oregon Smart Guide on using Rainwater Opens a New Window.

• Composting toilets

  - Composting toilets are low-tech, waterless toilets.
  • Oregon rules for using composting toilets Opens a New Window. - See section 918-770-0080. Homes using composting toilets need a way to dispose of the other liquid wastes, through either an approved septic system or a connection to the sanitary sewer.
  • National Sanitary Foundation standards Opens a New Window.  - The brand and model must comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 41 listed under composting/incinerating toilets.

• Waterless urinals -

  A waterless urinal uses gravity instead of flushing with water to move liquid into the sewer system.
  • Oregon Plumbing Code Section Opens a New Window.  addressing use of waterless urinals – see Section 402.3.1.

Irrigation

Yard watering is the highest water use in the home, up to about 60% of total water use.

• Water saving landscape design

  - Choose native, low water use plants, and locate plants with similar water needs together for efficient watering. Minimize lawn areas or consider replacing grass with eco-turf, ground covers, low-water-use plants or mulches.
  • Visit the Alton Baker Park Water Wise Landscape Demonstration Garden Opens a New Window. 
  • Water Efficient Plants for the Willamette Valley Opens a New Window. 

• Smart irrigation

  - Avoid overwatering. Install efficient irrigation such as drip systems, soaker hoses and smart sprinklers.

• Using rainwater

  – Use rainwater instead of potable water to irrigate.
  • City of Eugene Rainwater Harvesting Fact Sheet Opens a New Window. 
  • Making the most of your Rainwater Harvesting System Opens a New Window. 

• Using graywater

  – In August 2011, statewide rules were adopted to allow the use of graywater for irrigation.
  • Reusing Graywater in Your Landscape: A Guide for Homeowners (courtesy of Oregon DEQ)