Supervisors have asked staff to turn to Kern County residents, asking them to think about using waste washing machine, shower and bathroom sink water on plants and lawns.

Greg Fenton, Kern County’s engineering director, says greywater can help the state reach its 25 percent total conservation target.

“An average home generates about 160 gallons of greywater a day, and 60 of those gallons could be reused by simply capturing the water from your washing machine – the average load of laundry uses about 40 gallons of water,” he said.

Fenton says systems using only washing machine water would not need a permit. Systems hooked up to sinks and showers would require permitting.

– Anthony Pollreisz