The Summit County Health Department has received approval from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality to administer a graywater systems program. There are options for Tier 1 and Tier 2 graywater systems installations. If you own property in Summit County and you are interested in having a graywater system installed you may apply for a permit after working with a Utah Onsite Wastewater certified individual to meet the requirements of a Graywater system installation in Summit County. For more information about permitting a graywater system in Summit County please contact 435-336-3243
Types of Graywater Systems and Fees
Per the State of Utah Onsite Wastewater Rule (R317) Tier 1 and Tier 2 Graywater Systems are defined as follows:
Tier 1 System (residential)- A gravity-fed graywater system without a surge tank, pretreatment, or pressurized components. A Tier 1 system is intended to be simple to operate and can be easily disconnected during winter months or other periods when the system may not be in use. This may also be appropriate for retrofitting an existing structure.
Tier 1 System Permit fee for Summit County- $410
Tier 2 System (commercial and multi-family)- A graywater system that employs a surge tank, pre-treatment, drip line irrigation, or pressurized components.
Tier 2 System Permit fee for Summit County – $730
Graywater Permitting in Summit County
In order to receive approval for a graywater system in Summit County follow these steps:
- Contact a Utah onsite wastewater level 1, 2 or level 3 certified individual to perform a soil and groundwater evaluation. Contact information for these individuals can be found at Summitcountyhealth.org-Environmental Health-Septic Program-Certified Percolation Testers and System Designers
- Contact a Utah onsite wastewater level 2 or level 3 certified individual to develop a system design for the property. Contact information for these individuals can be found at Summitcountyhealth.org-Environmental Health-Septic Program-Certified Percolation Testers and System Designers
- Submit a graywater system design to the Summit County Health Department by going to org-Environmental Health-Septic Program-Click here for the Wastewater Permit Application https://app.civicreview.com/application/5c07f17913d1d9001af0ae92
- Install an approved graywater system and contact the Summit County Health Department for final approval of the installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Graywater?
The Utah Office of Administrative Rules defines graywater as “wastewater from bathtubs, showers, bathroom washbasins, clothes washing machines, or laundry tubs.
What is a Graywater System?
A graywater system diverts the graywater in a home from going to the sewer or septic system to an underground irrigation designed system for use in landscaping.
Can I Design my own Graywater System?
No. A graywater system has to be designed by a Utah Onsite Wastewater Level 2 or Level 3 certified individual.
Can I Install my own Graywater System?
Yes and No. An individual may install their own graywater system if it is Tier 1 and the design has been approved by the Summit County Health Department. An inspection of the final installation by Summit County Health Department personnel will be required whether it is installed by a Certified Utah Onsite Wastewater individual or a non-certified Utah Onsite Wastewater person. A tier 2 system required system will have to be installed by a Utah Onsite Wastewater Level 3 individual.
Can a Graywater system be installed with on a sewer connection?
Yes, a graywater system can be installed on a property with a sewer connection. You will need to provide a letter of approval from the sewer district with the application for a graywater system.
Can a Graywater System be installed with an onsite septic system?
Yes, a graywater system can be installed with an onsite septic system. There may be additional documentation to be included with your application such as the size and location of your septic system and requiring documentation of pumping of the septic tank.
Is a percolation test required?
Yes, a percolation test is required for a graywater system approval.
Can I turn my graywater system back to the sewer/septic system?
Yes. In fact, a specific valve is required to be installed in the plumbing of any home that has a graywater system installed in Utah. This valve will allow a property owner to move graywater back and forth from the septic/sewer system and the graywater system.
Additional Information:
(https://extension.usu.edu/permaculture/files/Graywater-Systems.pdf)
For more information about what graywater is, benefits to having a graywater systems, components of a graywater system and other information and references please visit: https://extension.usu.edu/permaculture/files/Graywater-Systems.pdf
For more information about the Utah Graywater state code R317-401 please visit: https://deq.utah.gov/water-quality/onsitewastewater-program