Utah Administrative Code
Topic - Environmental Quality
Title R317 - Water Quality
Rule R317-401 - Graywater Systems
Section R317-401-9 - Appendices

Universal Citation: UT Admin Code R 317-401-9

Current through Bulletin 2024-06, March 15, 2024

APPENDIX A. RECOMMENDED BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES.

The use of plant friendly products is important when using graywater for irrigation. Products should be salt and borax free in addition to being biodegradable and non-toxic. Plant friendly products are key when reusing graywater. Chlorine bleach can be harmful to plants and should be diverted to your sewer system. Hydrogen peroxide based products can be used instead of bleach. The pH of your graywater also needs to be considered. Most soaps do not change the pH but some do. Liquid soaps typically do not change the pH of graywater. Bar soaps can make the water very basic. Choosing plants that are not affected by pH is best if you are not sure if the pH is being affected by the products you typically use. Graywater systems are not maintenance free and require consistent and frequent inspection by the owner to ensure proper functionality.

7.1. Graywater Compatible Plants.

(a) Trees and fruit trees;

(b) Bushes, shrubs, and vines;

(c) Larger perennials and annuals; and

(d) Food crops for which the graywater will not come into contact with the edible portion of the plant.

7.2. Graywater Incompatible Plants.

(a) Aacidic soil-loving plants;

(b) Seedlings or young plants.

7.3. Graywater Irrigation Issues.

Graywater can clog drip systems without proper filtration and regular maintenance. Either remove solid particles from the water (by filtering or settlement) or increase the diameter of the holes in the irrigation pipe. It is recommended that drip irrigation hoses with small outlets not be used for graywater irrigation unless the solid particles have been removed.

7.4. Maintaining Graywater Irrigation Zones.

It may be necessary to replace mulch, flush soil with potable or fresh water periodically during extended periods of no rain in order to disperse minerals, such as salts from building up. Check for these issues and adjust graywater output accordingly:

(a) Unusual odors;

(b) Clumping of soil;

(c) Poor vegetation growth;

(d) Presence of damp or boggy ground after irrigation, or soil is excessively damp with signs of surface ponding and run-off;

(e) a fine sheet of clay covering the surface; or

(f) evidence of pests and diseases on plants.

APPENDIX B. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE.

TABLE 10

Graywater System Inspection and Maintenance Frequency

Inspection and Maintenance Item Inspect and clean filters and screens, replacing where necessary

Frequency Every 3 months

Inspect and verify that disinfection, filters, and water quality treatment devices and systems are operational and maintaining minimum water quality requirements

In accordance with manufacturer's instructions and the regulatory authority

Inspect pumps and verify operation

After initial installation and every 12 months thereafter

Inspect valves and verify operation

After initial installation and every 12 months thereafter

Inspect pressure tanks and verify operation

After initial installation and every 12 months thereafter

Inspect and clear debris from storage tanks, locking devices, and verify operation

After initial installation and every 12 months thereafter

Inspect caution labels and markings

After initial installation and every 12 months thereafter

Inspect for cross-connections and test entire system

After initial installation and every 12 months thereafter

Inspect and maintain mulch basins

As needed to maintain mulch depth and prevent ponding and runoff

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Utah may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.