Cons of allowing laundry water to drain on lawn

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
tony2008 Tampa, FL Feb 26, 2009

I am trying to conserve water by utilizing the water we normally allow to drain away. Is there a reason why I should not allow the water from my washing machine to drain on my St. Augustine grass? Thanks.

Post #6192431
Quote
ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Feb 26, 2009

Lots of people are starting to do things like that--if you google "gray water" you'll probably find a ton of info. I know there are people out there who use water straight from the washer to water their garden, but I don't know if grass would be more sensitive to the stuff that's in the water. I would make sure you take a look at the various things that are going into your wash (detergent, bleach, fabric softener, etc) and try to minimize what you're putting in there. Obviously you at least need detergent so I'd try and get one that's more environmentally friendly and doesn't have a lot of dyes/fragrances in it.

Post #6192626
Quote
ZenSojourner (Zone 8a) Feb 26, 2009

You need to put it through a filter first or you'll have laundry dandruff and scum all over your lawn.

Just google gray water and you'll find all sort of information on how to do this, basically all it takes is a trash can full of gravel and some PVC pipe. It may be a LITTLE more complicated than that, but that's pretty much it.

Remember that even laundry effluent has some oil and grease in it, which you are washing off clothes and out of kitchen towels, etc. And the lint, and hair, etc. You don't want to just wash all that out onto your lawn, you'll find it collecting in low spots and corners.

Post #6194660
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Beginner Gardening Threads

Go to all Beginner Gardening threads
BACK TO TOP