UPDATE: The Boulder City Council has just enacted a two-year ban on the use of gray water systems, a significant move impacting residents who hoped to utilize recycled water for irrigation. This ordinance, passed last week, aligns with a 2024 state law that will allow gray water systems in new constructions but permits municipalities to opt out.
Gray water, which is recycled water from sources like sinks, showers, and washing machines, is considered a vital resource for water conservation. However, Boulder officials emphasize that this temporary ban is necessary to ensure compliance with upcoming state regulations. City staffers noted that implementing a comprehensive gray water system would require extensive efforts, including new regulations, a permitting process, and regular inspections to prevent contamination of drinking water.
The council’s decision reflects a broader trend in water management, with conservationists advocating for gray water use to alleviate the pressure on fresh water supplies. However, a memo from city staff highlighted a past project at CU Boulder, where gray water reuse efforts from the Williams Village dorm hall (2013-2023) did not yield the expected water savings.
Public engagement on this issue has been met with mixed reviews. Planning Board Chair Mark McIntyre criticized the ordinance’s sweeping prohibitions, arguing that it criminalizes behaviors that could support sustainability goals. In a memo, he stated, “The current draft ordinance is too broad and blunt in its prohibitions… Redrafting with more clarity and nuance should come only after city staff engages a broad range of stakeholders and water users.”
As this situation develops, residents and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about potential changes to the ordinance and future discussions regarding gray water systems in Boulder. The city is expected to finalize its regulations and engage with the community in the coming months.
Stay tuned for updates on this evolving issue, as the impact of the council’s decision reverberates through the community and affects water conservation efforts in Boulder.
