Albuquerque Journal North
Tuesday, March 11, 2003

Richardson Signs Gray Water Act
John T. Huddy

Calling it a giant step forward in New Mexico’s water conservation efforts, Gov. Bill Richardson signed into law Monday a bill that allows residents to use gray water for irrigation purposes.

"This historic legislation will directly impact New Mexico’s ability to deal with drought and will allow for greater conservation of water," Richardson said in a prepared speech in his conference chambers at the Roundhouse. "Most importantly, the Gray Water Act lets citizens help at the grassroots level to conserve water."

An emergency clause in the bill allows it to take effect in April.

Gray water is essentially household water that doesn’t come into contact with toilet waste. That would include waste water from bathtubs, showers, washbasins and washing machines.

The bill is a major step for local water conservationists who have pushed gray water legislation in New Mexico for nearly a decade.

Rep. Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, who sponsored the measure (BH 114) said she has worked on the issue for eight years.

It is a "sensible policy on the reuse of water that is environmentally sound," she said.

Sen. Cisco McSorley, D-Albuquerque, who sponsored an identical bill in the Senate, echoed Stewart’s thoughts adding that himself, Stewart and others who have pushed the bill over the years "had no idea if we could get this bill through," because of various environmental concerns that were raised.

"There’s been a drought for a long time in this Legislature in many ways," McSorley said. "The governor ended this drought."

Stewart said there is no advertising campaign planned to inform people of the new law and possible options for gray water systems, although local homebuilders’ associations are expected to get the work out to builders and homebuyers.

A state Environment Department spokesman said there will be information on the department Web site on the new law and gray water use. The Web site address is:

GRAY WATER IRRIGATION GUIDE AS OF MARCH 2003
http://www.nmenv.state.nm.us/OOTS/GRAY%20WATER%20IRRIGATION%20GUIDE1.pdf

back to top | back to water harvesting