Based on LADWP-reported average residential water use of 77 gallons per person per day in FY 2014-15.Single-family homes in Los Angeles use 38% of their water outdoors. Of the 62% used indoors, 25% is used for toilet flushing and 24% is used for clothes washing. (Source: UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability)Based on Tier 1 2015 water rate average of $4.82 per Hundred Cubic Feet. 68% of 112,420 gallons = 76,446 gallons = 102.2 HCF. 102.2 x $4.82 = $492.173

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1

SHOWERTOILET

GRAYWATERRAINWATER

WATER HOSE

TANK

WASHING MACHINE

THE RIGHT WATER FORTHE RIGHT USE*

*This infographic does not reflect treatment levels required for each type of water use

California faces many natural and human-made challenges threatening our water supply stability, making us more vulnerable. Now, more than ever, we need to rethink the availability of our water and look at other sources for indoor and outdoor use to create a safer, healthier and more resilient future for Los Angeles.

The Good NewsWe no longer need to flush drinking water down our toilets! Tap water is treated to very high levels to make it safe to drink. This water is the right water for drinking, cooking, showering and bathing. However, this precious water is typically used for ALL our other needs, too. Using rainwater and graywater instead of highly treated drinking water for non-potable purposes allows us to be more efficient, saving money and energy resources.

Why is this Important?• The average four-person Los Angeles

household uses 112,420 gallons of drinkable water each year. 1

• 68% of that water is used for toilet flushing, garden irrigation, washing clothes and other uses that don’t require using drinking water.2

• That equals $500 per year when it could be free.3

To help in this effort, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently updated its Guidelines for Alternative Water Sources: Indoor and Outdoor Non-Potable Uses, providing the necessary water quality standard requirements for use on residential properties.

How Do I Use Rainwater and Graywater?Catch the Rain!Installing rainwater tanks at homes and businesses allows us to substitute captured rainwater for non-potable uses. Tanks come in different sizes, designs and materials. They can be installed above or below ground, next to a building or further away. Rainwater that is collected in tanks and used onsite can be utilized for outdoor irrigation, flushing toilets or washing clothes. For more information, visit www.treepeople.org/raintanks

Divert Your Graywater!Water from washing machines, showers and bathtubs is considered graywater. This does not include water that has been contaminated from toilets, kitchen sinks and dishwashers (called “Blackwater”). Graywater systems use a “diverter” to redirect water for washing your car or to your garden for irrigation instead of it going into the sewer system.

The Right Water for the Right Use!

How Using Rainwater and Graywater Builds a Sustainable Future

SAMPLE USES Rainwater from Tanks

Graywater

Indoor Use Toilet Flushing Yes, with treatment

Yes, with treatment

Laundry Washing

Yes, with treatment

Yes, with treatment

Outdoor Use Car Washing Yes, with treatment

Yes, with treatment

Spray Irrigation Yes, with treatment for rain tanks 360 gallons or larger

Yes, with treatment

Subsurface Irrigation

Yes Yes

The new Guidelines provide specific information on the water quality standards, treatment process and monitoring necessary.

Applying Rainwater and GraywaterInstalling rainwater tanks and graywater systems requires permits and the advice of trained professionals.

For more information go to: www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh or call 626-430-5290