Graywater rebates

What is graywater? 

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Graywater system three-way diverter valve

Graywater is water from indoor sources that is captured and reused. Sources of graywater in the home include the laundry, bathroom faucets, showers, and bathtubs.

Not all indoor water is suitable for reuse. Water from kitchen sinks, diaper-soiled water, and "blackwater" (toilet flush water) are not acceptable sources of graywater.

Why use graywater?

During water shortages or drought, graywater used for landscape irrigation can be a reliable water supply for your trees and shrubs. For a quick overview of a laundry to landscape graywater system, watch this short graywater animation and This Old-House video.

Using graywater provides multiple benefits:

  • Reduces the use of fresh water
  • Lowers water bills
  • Puts less strain on treatment systems and septic tanks
  • Reduces energy and chemicals used for wastewater treatment
  • Recharges groundwater

Using graywater at home

An easy way to incorporate graywater is to install a brass three-way diverter valve at your clothes washer, redirecting the water from your laundry to your landscape. This type of graywater system sends rinse water from your clothes washer directly to your landscape without filters, tanks, or pumps. Here is a system overview and parts sheet. 

A laundry-to-landscape solution saves around 3,600 gallons a year if you have a water-efficient clothes washer, and up to 11,200 gallons a year if you have an older top loader.

All graywater must be applied subsurface and stay within your property (no runoff). Graywater should never be stored longer than 24 hours. Learn more about state regulations and permit reguirements in Chapter 15 of the CA plumbing code; the code is summarized here for laundry to landscape systems.

Best practices

Tips for using graywater:

  • In the winter, plants get their water from natural rainfall. To prevent overwatering, turn off your diverter during the rainy season.
  • Use environmentally friendly detergent.
  • Consult professional installer resources - Greywater Action Directory and Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper (select Graywater as "speciality").

Graywater is not recommended for the following situations:

  • Watering vegetable gardens.
  • If drain pipes are not accessible.
  • If your soil is too permeable or impermeable.
  • If the amount of water use does not justify the cost of installation.
  • If you live 100 feet (or up hill) from a creek.

Rebate

EBMUD offers a rebate of up to $100 for the purchase of the following equipment essential to a graywater laundry-to-landscape system: brass three-way diverter, air admittance or anti-siphon valve, and PVC conveyance line (for an explanation of system components, view this video). If the cost of these components is less than $100, the actual purchase price will only be rebated. Rebate amounts are limited to the price of the item(s) alone and do not include taxes, labor, or shipping fees. The rebate will be issued as a check within two billing cycles of rebate approval.

Tax Notice: All rebates that, individually or in combination, total $600 or more in a tax year require submittal of a W-9 form to the District prior to payment. All personal information provided within the W-9 is kept confidential in accordance with the Privacy Act. If your total rebate amount is $600 or more, you will receive a 1099 form to comply with Internal Revenue Service requirements. The determination of whether your rebate is taxable or not may depend on several variables. You are recommended to contact your tax professional.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for the graywater rebate, you must fulfill the following requirements:

  • Be an EBMUD customer with an active, potable EBMUD water service location.  

  • Install equipment essential to a graywater laundry to landscape system, including one or more of the following components:
    • Brass three-way diverter valve
    • Air admittance or anti-siphon valve

    • PVC conveyance line

  • Watch This Old House Laundry to Landscape video (5 minutes)

More information

Graywater Resources

How to apply

Applies to single and multi-family (up to 4 units) properties.

Option 1: Install first

You can purchase and install equipment prior to application submittal if the following criteria are met: 

  • Purchase of the equipment is within 90 days of the application submittal date

Application Process

  • Step 1. Purchase and install equipment.

  • Step 2. Submit your online rebate application within 90 days of purchase. 

    • Submit a copy of the receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees) and photos of the newly installed graywater system components (see Rebate Requirements and Documentation for details). 

  • Step 3. After you submit all requested information and your rebate is approved, the rebate will be issued as a check within two months. For residential customers, rebates $600 or more in a single tax year require submittal of a W-9 form.

Option 2: Apply first

Application Process

  • Step 1. Submit your online rebate application.

  • Step 2. Wait for EBMUD approval before purchasing equipment or beginning your project. 

  • Step 3. Purchase and install equipment within a 9-month deadline.

    • Submit a copy of the receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees) and photos of the newly installed graywater system components (see Rebate Requirements and Documentation for details). 

  • Step 4. After you submit all requested information and your rebate is approved, the rebate will be issued as a check within two months. For residential customers, rebates $600 or more in a single tax year require submittal of a W-9 form.

Applies to multi-family (5+ units), commercial, municipal, or irrigation-only meter properties.

Application Process

  • Step 1. Submit your online rebate application, providing photos of the existing equipment that will be replaced.

  • Step 2. Wait for EBMUD approval before purchasing equipment or beginning your project. 

  • Step 3. Purchase and install equipment within a 9-month deadline.

    • Submit a copy of the receipt showing the purchase date and price (excluding tax and fees) and photos of the newly installed graywater system components (see Rebate Requirements and Documentation for details). 

  • Step 4. After you submit all requested information and your rebate is approved, the rebate will be issued as a check within two months. 

▶ Apply online

If you need assistance filling out your rebate application or would like a copy mailed to you, email waterconservation@ebmud.com or call 1-866-287-1900.