How to Use Gray Water for Gardening

Use leftover bath water to water your garden.

Use leftover bath water to water your garden.

A family of four can produce well over 100 gallons of water each day, much of it going to waste down the drain. This wasted water is called gray water and is a valuable resource you can use in your garden. Instead of letting it circle the drain, collect it. It can save you money on your monthly water bill and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.


Collect water in large buckets. Scoop leftover bath water into buckets and use it to water your lawn, trees or bushes. Fill buckets with water left over from sinks when you brush your teeth and wash your hands. Use this water to water plants in your yard as well.


Put the end of your washing machine's hose into a large bucket or rain barrel to collect the water as it drains during the rinse cycle. When the bucket or rain barrel is full, use the gray water to irrigate your lawn or other plants in your yard.


Test your soil regularly. The chemicals and compounds in gray water from hand soap, dish soap or laundry soap can change the pH level of the soil in your yard. If the pH level begins to increase, or if you notice your plants suffering, discontinue using gray water in these areas of your yard.

Things You Will Need

  • Buckets
  • Rain barrels
  • Garden hose
  • Soil test kit


  • Use gray water to water houseplants as well.
  • Filter gray water to remove solids, such as human hair and lint, so these products don't go into your garden.


  • Don't water your vegetable garden with gray water. The soap and other products the water might contain can contaminate your growing vegetables.
  • Don't use gray water to irrigate small seedlings or newly planted plants. The soap and other products can damage the roots.
  • Don't use gray water that was used by persons with infectious diseases or diarrhea. Don't use water from a washing machine used to launder clothes worn by a person with an infectious disease or that was used to launder cloth diapers.
  • Use gray water as soon as possible after collecting it. This will cut down on offensive odors that can develop in the used water.
  • Check local gray water regulations before collecting it and using it in your yard. You might need to obtain a permit before using gray water.

Photo Credits

  • Hemera Technologies/ Images
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