Here in the desert southwest city of Tucson, Arizona our average rainfall is supposed to be about 12 inches with 7 of that falling in July, August, September, and October. But we have been in a drought, and so far we are way under in rain (less than 3 inches at my house since the beginning of the year).
Tucson allows us to put in gray water systems, where the water from tub/shower, bathroom sink and washing machines can be run directly into the garden or into holding tanks. We have started running piping from one of the bathtub to some trees, as well as the washing machine water.
We will be adding rainfall catch and the house gray water to holding tanks that we hope to put in soon. The water from rain is already directed to basins around trees and rain gardens. Once we are done, we can opt to have it inspected, and if it passes we can get a tax deduction.
By Mary Ross from Tucson, AZ
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I have never heard of a system like that. I'm from the north, and we get lots of rain so I guess that is why. we do, however save as much rainwater we can with rain barrels and eaves.
That's awesome. We, as a global community, waste too much of our precious water. Good for you!
I live in Tucson too, as a new resident. My house is built on a concrete slab and I'm guessing there is no way to direct bath/laundry water out of the house to where I need it. After reading your post I'm going to see if we could at least direct the downspout water to the trees.
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