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Greeley council adopts ordinance prohibiting residential graywater systems, citing health and administrative costs
Summary
Deputy Director Leah Hubbard told council that House Bill 24‑1362 allows graywater statewide; staff recommended a local prohibition owing to public‑health risks, permitting costs and low homeowner ROI. Council voted 7–0 to adopt the ordinance.
The Greeley City Council voted unanimously March 3 to adopt an ordinance prohibiting residential graywater collection inside city limits, following a staff presentation that emphasized public‑health risks and program costs.
Leah Hubbard, deputy director of water resources, told the council that Regulation 86 provides a pathway for permitted graywater systems and that House Bill 24‑1362, effective Jan. 1, 2026, "authorizes graywater use statewide unless a municipality or county adopts a resolution or ordinance prohibiting such use." She said staff assessed public‑health risks (including E. coli and other pathogens), the need for backflow prevention and inspection capacity, and the low return on investment for typical homeowners.
Hubbard cited an example from Fort Collins where a retrofit permit averaged about $4,500 in upfront costs and annual maintenance, while typical household water savings would suggest a multi‑decade payback. She also noted that graywater programs require ongoing staff time for permitting, inspections and enforcement, and that wastewater flows contribute to the city's water rights portfolio, complicating large‑scale reuse.
Council members asked whether existing unpermitted systems could be detected and inspected; staff said enforcement is complaint‑ or inspection‑driven and retrofits are difficult to grandfather because of extensive plumbing and backflow checks. Rain barrel collection for outdoor use remains permitted and is a separate policy discussion.
After public comment and council questions, the motion to adopt the ordinance passed by roll call vote, 7–0. The ordinance will be published with reference to title and return for second reading at the scheduled public hearing on March 17, 2026, as listed in the agenda.
