Georgia § 31-3-5 - 2. Definition of "gray water"; lawful use.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-3-5 — 2. Definition of "gray water"; lawful use., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-3-5. 2. Definition of "gray water"; lawful use.
As used in this Code section, the term "gray water" means waste water discharged from residential lavatories, bathtubs, showers, clothes washers, and laundry trays. Private residential direct reuse of gray water shall be lawful if the following conditions are met: Gray water originating from the residence shall be used and contained within the property boundary for household gardening, composting, lawn watering, or landscape irrigation; Gray water shall not be used for irrigation of food plants; The gray water shall not contain hazardous chemicals derived from activities such as cleaning car parts, washing greasy or oily rags, or disposing of waste solutions from home photography laboratories or similar hobbyist or home occupational activities; The application of gray water shall be managed to minimize standing water on the surface; The application of gray water shall be outside of a floodway; The gray water shall not contain water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or infectious garments unless the gray water is disinfected before irrigation; and The gray water shall be applied only by hand watering using garden watering cans or similar hand-held containers. County boards of health shall adopt the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section by regulation. Local governing bodies shall be authorized to punish violations of said regulations as local ordinance violations, provided that the penalty for each such violation shall not exceed a $100.00 fine. (Code 1981, § 31-3-5.2 , enacted by Ga. L. 2008, p. 720, § 1/SB 463; Ga. L. 2009, p. 8, § 31/SB 46.)
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 31-3-5
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-3-5 cover?
Section 31-3-5 ("2. Definition of "gray water"; lawful use.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 31-3-5?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 31-3-5" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 31-3-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.