California drought spurring water recycling at home

California’s drought has more homeowners considering water recycling.

So-called gray water recycling involves lightly used runoff from bathroom sinks, showers and washing machines. California over the last five years has eased its codes to allow families to do install simple laundry-to-landscape gray-water systems without a permit. Contractors and recycling advocates say interest has surged since Gov. Jerry Brown announced the start of mandatory conservation this spring.

State building association executive Robert Raymer says many big builders in the state are now offering graywater-recycling systems as a routine option on new homes.

Berkeley gray-water advocate Catarina Negrin says the recycling allows her family to shower in the drought knowing that they’re also watering their garden.