Grey Water

[ttpadilla]

I am just asking this question because I honestly do not know, not because I want to damage the eco-system, so please keep that in mind, when responding.

Why must we contain our grey water in a tank? What is the difference between RV/Van grey water, and taking a shower outside, or washing dishes outside, or brushing your teeth outside?

Thanks!

 

[SoulRaven]

I actually dump my grey water in the shrubs. In some of the drier areas the plants seem to really like it and perk right up.

 

[cyndi]

When you dump the tanks the grey water flushes the hose of any grossness. So, dump your black tank first and then your grey tank. Also, to provide enough pressure to empty the tanks, they should be no less than half full whenever you empty.

I've seen a couple of rigs where the grey tank water actually flowed through the black tanks to help keep the black tank clean(er)

 

[LeeRevell]

The only real 'bad thing' I can think of is if you have food residue in it, it could attract bugs or varmints, and might stink. So, if you dump it, do it well away from your van.

 

[ccbreder]

The gray water held in a tank allows bacteria to thrive, developing odors and blooms of sometimes harmful microbes. Dumping grey water direct from shower or wash basin will have fewer bacteria and the soil will have an easier time degrading the little devils.

 

[Almost There]

All of the above!

Most of the North American population continues to use soaps and chemicals for showering and washing dishes that contain chemicals harmful to the environment.

Even biodegradable soaps need to be filtered through the soil so that they don't degrade the ecosystem. This is why conscientious interior campers disperse (throw not drain) their dish water back at least a couple of hundred feet from a water source.

Yes, one person will not do major harm to the environment but one million will!

If you're way, way out back beyond in a remote campsite that is only used for a few days a year or maybe hasn't been used for years, then dispersing gray water where you've used environmentally friendly soaps isn't so bad. If you're in a well used area or use regular detergent type soaps for anything then it needs to be dumped properly so that it can be treated before returning to the earth.

Okay, I'll get back off the soapbox...sorry, one of my ugly topics. I camp frequently in the bush and see others disregarding nature often! 

 

[cyndi]

Thanks, AT!!! I've said that so many times.

http://www.leavenotracedude.com/waste-disposal.shtml
"...Dishes and Dishwater
Scrape all food out of dishes and either eat it or store it to pack out. There are very useful small plastic pot scrapers that get nearly everything off a pot or dish.
Wash dishes with hot water and a scrubbie, at least 200 feet from your campsite, trail, and water sources. Soap is not really needed for most cleaning. If you must use some, use a bit of biodegradable camp soap. Strain the dish water through a fine mesh screen or panty hose and into a container. The panty hose catches all but the tiniest of food bits and you can then pack them out in the garbage.
The resulting water is called 'grey water' and should be disposed of by broadcasting it over a wide area. That means throwing the water out in an arc to disperse it as much as possible. This helps it evaporate faster and reduces the attraction for animals..."

 

[ttpadilla]

Thank you, everyone!! Off to work, for me. Three days of 12 hour shifts coming up. Then 4 days off. Rinse and repeat for 3 more weeks. Have a great day!

 

[cdiggy]

Gotta love the 3 day work week, even if it means squeezing all those hours into one day!

 

[compassrose]

Before you go dumping grey water anywhere, please check with the park rangers first. They will tell you how and where they want the grey water disposed of. If you are thinking of dumping your grey water thru the same hose that you used to dump your black tank, that could be considered a bad idea. There is a HUGE difference between dumping a few gallons (even 5 gallons is too much) of dish washing water and dumping 50 gallons of grey water.

 

[highdesertranger]

in some areas it is actually illegal to dump grey water on the ground, even for tent campers. best be sure before you do it. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

in some areas it is actually illegal to dump grey water on the ground,  even for tent campers.  best be sure before you do it.  highdesertranger

Good advice and absolutely true!

 

[ttpadilla]

Gotta love the 3 day work week, even if it means squeezing all those hours into one day!

I do love that it's only 3 days!!

 

[Bdog1]

Don't collect grey water in any way if your planning on dispersing it around camp. Just wash dishes/shower over the ground.

 

[highdesertranger]

I don't know if that will cut it bdog1. I will see if I can find the rules I was referring to. but I believe it stated "all grey water must be contained and disposed of at a dump station". highdesertranger

 

[coolmom42]

I don't know if that will cut it bdog1.  I will see if I can find the rules I was referring to.  but I believe it stated "all grey water must be contained and disposed of at a dump station".  highdesertranger

From the Glacier National Park web site:

"All wastewater, including water from showers and dishwashing, must be contained, and disposed of in utility sinks or at RV dump stations. Do not leave wastewater unattended."

From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park web site:

"Dish water and bath water must be drained at utility sinks or dump stations, not on the ground. Do not wash or bathe in streams or at water fountains."

Seems to be a common theme.

Can you imagine the mess if EVERYONE in a campground showered daily and let the gray water run out on the ground?

From the BLM web site:

"Campers must not dispose of refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or gray water, in any manner that would pollute the surrounding area.  Please pack it out, and dispose of those materials properly."

Seems to be a little more latitude here but doubtless exact regulations vary.

 

[ccbreder]

Yes. No exception. Any exception will be exploited and compromised until the rule is lost. Wet soggy stinky camp sites.

 

[highdesertranger]

thanks coolmom saved me some leg work. highdesertranger

 

[cdiggy]

thanks coolmom saved me some leg work. highdesertranger

Ditto. Mother Earth thanks you too!

 

[Bdog1]

Guess my dish washing habits need an update. :-0