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10 <br /> non-commode fixtures(graywater) for watering and irrigation purposes,but at this point there <br /> are several reasons why this practice should not be encouraged or condoned. <br /> The first and maybe the most salient reason is that it is illegal in North Carolina to dispose of <br /> wastewater in an unapproved manner. Dipping and dumping or otherwise discharging graywater <br /> from sinks and other fixtures is not an approved method as the water has not been effectively <br /> treated and as such, surface application is not an acceptable disposal method. Some states do <br /> allow for the use of graywater,but most have some level of treatment required before discharge <br /> or other conditions regarding its handling and placement. The NC Division of Water Quality has <br /> confirmed that this is their position. <br /> The next reason is really more of an explanation of the first reason in that graywater does carry a <br /> significant pathogen load. For example, a recent article in the Journal of Environmental Health <br /> (June, 2002) cited two studies, Brandes (1978) and Gerba, et al. (1995),that documented <br /> graywater as containing considerable amounts of both total colifonns and fecal coliforms. The <br /> pathogens can also multiply greatly if the graywater is stored for even a short time. There are <br /> many other undesirable characteristics associated with graywater,but the pathogen load was the <br /> most notable. <br /> When you couple the amounts of fecal coliform available in graywater with the fact that the <br /> infective dose of some e, colt strains may be as few as 10 organisms'(Institute of Food Science <br /> and Technology (UK),(1996), it raises concern about the use of graywater in an unrestricted <br /> manner. <br /> Drought Planning and Education Efforts <br /> The Health Department posted an advisory for well users in late July intended as a public service <br /> announcement, after the declaration of Stage III restrictions by the county. (attached). This was <br /> an effort to provide information and services to those water users in the rural, area of the county <br /> that would likely be affected by a drought situation later in ile season if drought conditions <br /> persist Instead of being picked up as a public service announcement, several print media <br /> developed the information into print articles. <br /> number of county departments are beginning to meet together to develop a response plan for <br /> an extended drought period that will include both rural users of individual wells as well as those <br /> served by public water supplies. These departments include Emergency Management, <br /> Cooperative Extension, County Engineer, and the Health Department. This will also be a topic <br /> at the water users meeting scheduled for next week. Issues such as potable water distribution; <br /> monitoring groundwater;public education on conservation methods; restaurant conservation <br /> methods education; and other topics are being'discussed. Plans will be coordinated with public <br /> water suppliers as they move through the steps needed for additional restrictions and <br /> contingencies. We will keep you apprised of these efforts. <br />