When trying to learn about being green and reusing water, one can feel suffocated by all the terminology. There’s graywater, blackwater, reclaimed water, recycled water, potable water and nonpotable water. Let’s start with defining these terms.
Graywater is water from bathroom sinks, bathtubs, showers and washing machines. Blackwater is from toilets, kitchen sinks and dishwashers. Potable water is synonymous with drinking water and can be consumed with no health risks. Nonpotable water, however, is not safe to drink, but can be used in irrigation and toilet flushing. When nonpotable water is treated, it is then called reclaimed or recycled water depending on the state you live in. In addition to graywater, nonpotable water can come from rainwater and municipally supplied reclaimed water.