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Thornton opts out of new statewide graywater allowance, citing limited benefits and added city burden
Summary
City staff recommended — and council approved on first reading — an ordinance to prohibit graywater treatment works in Thornton, citing small expected water savings, potential water‑rights constraints and costs of administering a local graywater program.
Thornton — The City Council voted unanimously on first reading to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit the installation of graywater treatment systems within city limits.
Deputy Utilities Director Emily Hunt told council that Colorado’s recent legislation allows graywater statewide unless a local jurisdiction opts out or creates a local program. Hunt said staff studied local water‑rights constraints, the administrative burden of permitting and inspection, and expected demand. Her assessment: graywater would require a city graywater control program (permit, inspections, tracking), introduce potential risks to the utility system and public health if systems were improperly installed or operated, and likely yield only minimal indoor water‑savings in Thornton’s context.
Hunt said staff also contacted other Front Range communities and reported low demand where graywater is permitted and no evidence of material uptake. For those reasons, staff recommended the city opt out at this time, while leaving open the option to revisit the decision if technology or regulations change. Councilmembers introduced the ordinance and approved the first reading unanimously.
If the ordinance is adopted on second reading, the city will notify the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment of Thornton’s decision to opt out of the statewide allowance and continue monitoring regulatory and technology developments.
