It violates state, local, and federal laws

Did you know… One of our members asked what the rules are about gray water, especially in dunes, so here they are.

In General:

• Gray and black water are considered untreated sewage.
• Dumping gray or black water on the ground can result in a fine or even jail time.
• Imperial County Penalties: imprisonment in county jail for not more than six months and by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) nor more than one thousand dollars($1,000.00).

All water that has flowed through an RV’s plumbing and holding tank is considered sewage. However, water from outdoor activities like washing dishes in a dishpan or showering outside the RV are not typically classified as sewage.

The primary concern with gray water disposal is the volume of water released at one time. Additionally, gray water that has been stored in a holding tank for several days poses health risks due to the buildup of bacteria, which can cause disease and unpleasant odors.

KEY LAWS AND REGULATIONS:

• California Health and Safety Code: Prohibits the discharge of gray and black water onto the ground or into waterways, except as authorized by a permit or variance.
• California Water Code: Regulates the disposal of gray and black water and requires that it be disposed of in a manner that prevents pollution of surface and groundwater.
• Title 25, California Code of Regulations: Specifies requirements for gray and black water systems, including those in RVs, and requires that they be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent pollution.
• California RV Dump Station Regulations: Require that RV dump stations be designed and operated to prevent the discharge of gray  and black water into the environment.

In California, dumping gray and black water from an RV is regulated by the California Department of Water Resources, the California State Water Resources Control Board, and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

REGULATIONS on GRAY and BLACK WATER DUMPING in IMPERIAL COUNTY

While local regulations regarding gray water disposal may vary, the County of Imperial Valley has its own set of rules. Specifically, these Imperial County Ordinances address gray and black water dumping, outlining guidelines and restrictions for residents and visitors.

Imperial County Ordinance  8.73.030B.

Any person who causes or permits the dumping of waste on right-of-way of any public highway, street, easement or thoroughfare, or uponny public park, private property, or on any premises, or in any container,without legal permission; or who causes, maintains or permits the accumulation of waste which creates an unsanitary condition or permits or encourages the cumulation or breeding of vectors, is guilty of an infraction punishable by aine of not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). A second or a subsequent violation of this section is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in county jail for not more than six months and by a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500.00) nor more than one thousand dollars($1,000.00).

8.73.020 – Definitions

“Illegal dumping” means the willful throwing, dropping, placing or depositing of a bulky item, hazardous waste or solid waste on public or private property not designated for that dumping or disposal purpose. An illegal dumping does not include the discarding, dropping,or scattering of small quantities of waste matter ordinarily carried on or about the person, including, but not limited to, beverage containers and closures, packaging, wrappers, wastepaper, newspapers, and magazines and including waste matter that escapes or is allowed to escape from a container, receptacle, package, or vehicle.

“Solid waste” means all putrescible and non putrescible solid, semisolid and liquid wastes, including garbage,trash, refuse, paper, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, demolition and construction wastes, dewatered, treated or chemically fixed sewage sludge,which is not hazardous waste, manure, vegetable or animal solid and semisolid wastes, and other discarded solid and semisolid wastes.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS:

The federal government considers gray water from kitchen sinks as “sewage” and prohibits dumping it on the ground, especially on federal lands. However, regulations may vary depending on the location and type of vehicle or camping setup.

Remember to always follow best practices for gray and black water disposal to protect California’s environment and public health.

Some important guidelines for RV owners:

• Use designated dump stations: Dispose of gray and black water at designated RV dump stations or other approved facilities.
• Use a proper gray water tank: Ensure your RV is equipped with a proper gray water tank that is designed and installed to prevent leaks and overflows.
• Follow local regulations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and guidelines for gray water disposal, as they may vary.