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 As part of its continued efforts to reduce potable water demand, Olivenhain Municipal Water District is co-hosting a free graywater workshop with partners San Dieguito Water District and Solana Center for Environmental Innovation. Participants will learn how to build a branched drain system step-by-step. The workshop will be held at the Encinitas Community Center from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on October 22. 

“Outdoor irrigation accounts for up to 80 percent of a home’s water use,” says OMWD Board Vice President Bob Topolovac. “To make the biggest water-saving impact on your monthly water bill, it makes sense to start by looking at your landscape’s watering needs. A simple graywater system can save the average family up to 1,000 gallons of water every month.”

Graywater is water that comes from washing machines, sinks, and bathtubs. As long as biodegradable, plant-friendly soaps and detergents are used, graywater is suitable for irrigation purposes. One of the most common home graywater systems, “laundry-to-landscape,” diverts water from washing machines onto landscapes rather than into a drain.

This hands-on workshop will teach participants how to use their washing machine to irrigate with a low-cost, easy, and permit-free method of graywater reuse. By the end of the day, participants will be able to design and install a laundry-to-landscape system with confidence. Visit www.olivenhain.com/events to register.