Case Study
Rocky Mountains
Golden Graywater Ordinance Case Study
Learn about WaterNow’s project to develop a graywater reuse ordinance for Golden, CO.
Conservation & Efficiency
What is Distributed Infrastructure?
Module navigation
Wastewater
Treated effluent has significant potential for reuse as non-potable – and even potable – water supply. Municipal water leaders are exploring creative wastewater management tactics for a more efficient, sustainable future. Localized infrastructure systems can safely reuse wastewater onsite or redirect it to other uses without centralized treatment.
Wastewater management & treatment strategies
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Constructed wetlands
Engineered wetland systems that mimic natural wetlands by using vegetation, soils, and microbial processes to capture and treat stormwater and wastewater, reduce nutrient loads, and improve water quality without relying on chemical treatment.
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Graywater reuse systems
Wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry facilities (excluding blackwater from toilets and urinals) that is treated and reused for non-potable purposes, reducing potable water demand and wastewater volumes.
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Onsite non-potable reuse systems
Systems that collect, treat, and reuse water generated within buildings or developments—including graywater and stormwater—for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, cooling systems, and landscape irrigation, reducing demand on centralized water infrastructure.
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Private sewer lateral replacement
The replacement of cracked and leaky private sewer laterals that contribute to sanitary sewer overflows by allowing groundwater and stormwater to infiltrate into the wastewater collection system.
Related Resources
Factsheet
Rocky Mountains
Golden Graywater Ordinance
Download Golden, CO’s laundry to landscape ordinance.
Conservation & Efficiency
Case Study
Midwest
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District
Learn about Milwaukee’s GSI programs.
Green Infrastructure
Explore more modules
Module 2
How to Pay for Distributed Infrastructure
Module 3
Overcoming Barriers to Paying for Distributed Infrastructure
Module 4