Graywater in Fort Collins

This webpage is now archived. 

For the most current information about Graywater: fcgov.com/utilities/watercode(External link)

November 1, 2022 Update

Graywater systems are now allowed within these boundaries(External link) with an approved plan and inspection. Visit Building Services’ website(External link) for permitting information and design criteria.

September 23, 2022 Update

This month, Fort Collins City Council adopted an ordinance allowing people to reuse graywater for toilet flushing. The ability to install a graywater system, which is voluntary for different development types, will go into effect in November. Building Services will handle permitting.

June 17, 2022 Update

A public meeting to discuss Graywater and ask questions was conducted June 16, 2022. Twenty-four community members attended.

No more public meetings are planned. You may, however, ask questions or share comments in the "ask the Project Manger" forum that appears on this page, or connect directly with Project Manager Mariel Miller mamiller@fcgov.com(External link)

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Fort Collins City Council Considering Graywater Use 

To move toward one of the Fort Collins City Council priorities, City staff drafted graywater ordinance language and is planning for its potential use in the community. The ordinance aligns with State of Colorado requirements while considering water rights and ensuring public health is protected.

The City is looking at graywater as another water efficiency tool. The ordinance would allow homeowners and businesses to capture water from clothes washers, showers, bathroom and laundry sinks, and divert it to toilet flushing before the water travels to the City’s wastewater system. If approved, this ordinance would provide the right water for the right use since toilet water doesn’t need to be treated to drinking standards.

Fort Collins City Council is scheduled to hear the first reading of the ordinance on August 16, 2022.