Campsite Squatters

Another sample how government agencies can scramble simple issues.
I did work few years ago in California on household gray water dumping, or using for landscaping watering.
That was 1 of those years when CA had no water and they actually promote the procedure.
The issue was that you suppose to dump the water right away, or after a day of keeping it in a tank, bacteria would grow and that makes gray water hazardous waste.
Washer water dumping was a bit tricky as high flow of water would destroy landscaping, but a barrel on the line and smaller drain hoses solved that issue.
I was doing gray water reuse from my whirlpool, who I use every night. I rerouted tub drain into smaller pipes going onto my lawn. When gravity feed worked, it was uneven watering and then mildew grow required cleaning every week.
I recalculated that whole hassle was saving me 40 cents a day and is not worth the trouble.
Now the linked publication talks about RV gray water.
Tell me how RV gray water differs from household gray water???

This article is pretty comprehensive on why not to dump grey water including where it is specifically illegal including Montana.

https://carcampingtips.com/is-it-okay-to-dump-grey-water-on-the-ground/

I really don't understand the outrage of dumping some GRAY water. Of course, use common sense, not near water, not near other people or civilization, use biodegradable soap and make sure there aren't any "chunks" from your dinner.

Tenters don't hesitate to dump their dish water into the nearest bush, or put out a campfire with it. We admit to responsibly dumping a few gallons here or there. On a few occasions we have also "dribbled" slowly through the garden hose attachment while driving down a dirt forest road. That way it is truly dispersed and low impact. Don't see the harm in that. There are way worse nasty fluids and particles that come off our vehicles and pollute the environment. A little dirty water isn't gonna do much. We also don't have a black tank that makes us need an official dumpstation.

Plus, I'm sure the flora doesn't really mind the extra water, especially in the desert. In terms of a smell attracting wildlife, if you are in the boonies that shouldn't really matter that much. Won't smell for long and you will be gone. There are many worse stinks in nature that get checked out.

jaycocreek wrote:

I don't dump my grey water unless I have to, that's what the holding tanks are for

Exactly.

jaycocreek wrote:

People have been draining their gray water in the forest for years and I've never seen any evidence of it.

Exactly..Just think of an outfitters hunting camp..8 plus people plus guides and crew in one place washing dishes/cooking and relieving them selves without holding tanks..It all goes on the ground but more responsibly than the average camper..

What irritates me more than anything, is a short hike from the outhouse and you see piles of toilet paper without any effort to put it in a hole and cover it..

I don't dump my grey water unless I have to,that's what the holding tanks are for,not for being to lazy to hit a dump station instead..LOL

So long as we're talking piles of toilet paper here is a picture I took in the Kaibab Nat'l Forest south of Williams AZ. The Forest is closed to campers but not to people on foot. The restrooms are also closed so visitors have to resort to other measures.

specta wrote:


People have been draining their gray water in the forest for years and I've never seen any evidence of it.

Yes, grey water environmental contamination is pretty much only an internet phenomenon....

Kayteg1 wrote:


It is not average people, who create a problem, but once in a 1000 you will find someone who will drain frying grease on the lawn, other time it is going to be weeds or ashes, young campers tend to spread condoms around.
Lately face masks can't be flushed in the sink, but somehow they start flying around all neighborhoods.

Nominated for weird post of the month!!

People have been draining their gray water in the forest for years and I've never seen any evidence of it.

Exactly..Just think of an outfitters hunting camp..8 plus people plus guides and crew in one place washing dishes/cooking and relieving them selves without holding tanks..It all goes on the ground but more responsibly than the average camper..

What irritates me more than anything, is a short hike from the outhouse and you see piles of toilet paper without any effort to put it in a hole and cover it..

I don't dump my grey water unless I have to,that's what the holding tanks are for,not for being to lazy to hit a dump station instead..LOL

specta wrote:


People have been draining their gray water in the forest for years and I've never seen any evidence of it.

It is not average people, who create a problem, but once in a 1000 you will find someone who will drain frying grease on the lawn, other time it is going to be weeds or ashes, young campers tend to spread condoms around.
Lately face masks can't be flushed in the sink, but somehow they start flying around all neighborhoods.

The Forest Service suggests that you put a screen over the end of the hose that you use to drain your gray tank to trap the food particles and dig a hole for the water to drain into. They also ask you not tro drain it into a creek or other waterways.

I stayed in a KOA once that the owner let me drain my gray water on the campsite's lawn.

People have been draining their gray water in the forest for years and I've never seen any evidence of it.