Woodland Park adopts temporary ban on private graywater systems pending regulation

The Woodland Park City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 15-22 (Series 2026) on May 21 to prohibit private graywater treatment systems until the city can present a comprehensive regulatory ordinance.

Staff (S5) told council the action responds to recent state activity (referenced in the meeting as House Bill 24-1362) that promotes water conservation but lacks detailed implementing regulations for on-site graywater treatment. "We are prohibiting them at this time until we can come back to you with the ordinance that regulates the uses of those," staff said, noting technical plumbing and treatment complexities associated with recycling sink, shower and laundry water for irrigation or toilet flushing.

Staff emphasized the distinction between permitted reuse from the wastewater treatment plant (a permitted public infrastructure reuse) and private graywater systems installed inside individual homes or businesses, which would require separate plumbing, purple piping and additional safeguards.

Council opened the podium for comment and, after limited public input, moved and unanimously approved the ordinance as written. Staff said the Urban Advisory Committee (UAC) will review regulatory language before the council considers a permitted framework.

Why it matters: the temporary prohibition prevents new unregulated private graywater systems from being installed while the city develops technical standards and protocols intended to protect public health and water systems. The ordinance does not affect permitted reuse from the wastewater-treatment plant used for irrigation.