What is gray water, and how is it managed under Arizona law?

Gray water refers to untreated wastewater generated from various domestic sources, primarily sinks, showers, and laundry. Under Arizona law, gray water can be reused for irrigation purposes, making it a key component in water conservation strategies. This type of water is not as contaminated as black water, which originates from toilets, making it safer for certain non-potable uses.

Arizona's guidelines for managing gray water outline specific systems and practices for its collection, storage, and distribution to ensure safe and efficient use in irrigation. The reuse of gray water in this manner helps to ease the demand on potable water supplies and supports sustainable water management, particularly in arid regions.

The other choices do not accurately define gray water or its management in Arizona. For example, the definition provided in the first choice relates to drinking water, which is not applicable to gray water. The second option incorrectly describes gray water as treated wastewater from toilets and showers, while the fourth choice mischaracterizes gray water as exclusively rain and surface runoff, which is typically categorized as stormwater rather than gray water.