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Eagle & Bear · 02-09-2009, 05:29 AM

Anyone know where we can legally drain our 8 galon grey water tank when a dump station is not available? Some posts have mentioned that it is illegal to dump a grey water tank while boondocking in some states but did not list the states. I can understand where there would be restrictions in high use areas but Nevada, Utah, Arizona etc should be paying me to import water.

waltero · 02-09-2009, 06:36 AM

Some places actually encourage the release of grey water, year before last in Georgia they actually asked us to release the water at a campground due to the dry conditions,
in places where there is no dump station I dump the grey tank in the woods , so far no problems...

Silvertwinkie · 02-09-2009, 06:59 AM

It varies from place to place, let alone state to state. About the best answer I can give you is that it is legal places where it isn't illegal.

Most places will tell you at the registration area or office. Most places where I have boondocked have openly condoned it, with the understanding that it won't be dumped in the parking area, but even there too, it varies from place to place, so read the rules and such or if a manned place, ask.

eubank · 02-09-2009, 07:45 AM

It is a complicated one. Here in NM, for instance, it's *semi-legal in state law, but it may be outlawed by city/town/reservation or federal ordinance.

By semi-legal, I mean to say that you can't just dump gray water by any means available:

1. The gray water may not include water from a kitchen sink.
2. It can't be sprinkled on a lawn.
3. It can't be used for commercial operations.

See what I mean?

Lynn

ts8501 · 02-09-2009, 07:54 AM

There was an article in Airstream Life on this very subject. Sorry, I do not have the publication date, but maybe someone else can comment.

CanoeStream · 02-09-2009, 08:29 AM

AirstreamLife's got nothing on us!

Previous conversations with some good posts:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...aws-34555.html
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f444...ling-8665.html

We all have (I assume) made after-dark quiet swooshing sounds if the situation demands it. But let's be real clear -- that black tank fills a lot slower. So save it up and find a dump station. Welcome | rvdumps.com

Once while hiking I saw the aftereffects where somebody stopped in the middle of the road and let the black tank go...

Airhog1 · 02-09-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

Once while hiking I saw the aftereffects where somebody stopped in the middle of the road and let the black tank go...

Organic speed bump?

G

53flyingcloud · 02-09-2009, 10:25 AM

While I respect the purpose behind the rulings about the discharge of waste water..I can't help but wonder..How did we ever make it this far down the human evolution chain with.. no laws regarding the same or, for that matter.. public bathrooms, etc..
Wally must be laughing his *@#^ off on this one..
What did they call it in the early 50's and 60's Airstream manual?
When they gave you instructions to dig a small hole behind the rear of your unit
"to dump the tank before moving on"?

eubank · 02-09-2009, 10:27 AM

I think they used to call it a gopher hole. And, as I recall, the hole was anything but small!

Lynn

53flyingcloud · 02-09-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eubank

I think they used to call it a gopher hole. And, as I recall, the hole was anything but small!

Lynn

Lynn
Yes, thank you so much..

I couldn't think of it or..grab it out of the air..
Dig many did you??

eubank · 02-09-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

Lynn
Yes, thank you so much..

I couldn't think of it or..grab it out of the air..
Dig many did you??

Nope. When I saw the size of the hole they recommended, I decided that it was always easier to use a dump station, even if it meant towing the trailer. Digging holes is NOT my bag.

Lynn

53flyingcloud · 02-09-2009, 11:26 AM

Honestly, I agree..However..
I think it's much better method than dumping it in the middle of the road..
mention by CanoeStream

CanoeStream · 02-09-2009, 11:37 AM

The Forest Service already complains when when I make medicine wheels at my friendly local vortex. But if I make a medicine wheel around a gopher hole I can always say the gack was left by a space ship. Round... Silver...

Chuck · 02-09-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 53flyingcloud

While I respect the purpose behind the rulings about the discharge of waste water..I can't help but wonder..How did we ever make it this far down the human evolution chain with.. no laws regarding the same or, for that matter.. public bathrooms, etc..

Well, there were never that many of us, in one place, until recently. And once the scientists discovered what was causing the problem, they started making rules.

jimmini · 02-09-2009, 12:25 PM

Last month the BLM Ranger in Quartzsite AZ told us that if we washed the dishes in a dish pan we could dump that pan on the ground.BUT once the water was in your gray tank you had to use a dump station.Go figure.

Diesel1 · 02-09-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmini

Last month the BLM Ranger in Quartzsite AZ told us that if we washed the dishes in a dish pan we could dump that pan on the ground.BUT once the water was in your gray tank you had to use a dump station.Go figure.

Ahah, another good reason my 67 does'nt have a grey tank. Adios, John

bryanl · 02-09-2009, 01:10 PM

Quote:

How did we ever make it this far down the human evolution chain with.. no laws regarding the same

The problems arose with too many people trying to use too little space -- No need for laws if you don't have other people to worry about.

Some of the larger 60's rallies had the telephone company come out with the auger they used for telephone pole holes - one hole per trailer. There was usually a contest to see who could make the best gopher hole cover decoration. (see pic)

Nowadays the problem is people who don't think and very large tanks. So we all suffer.

You can put 5 or ten gallons in the bushes every now and then and nobody will notice. But then there are those who drain a 40 gallon tank with a 3" hose...

Always check with the local prevailing authorities for what is proper. I know some campgrounds where the NFS was OK, the county said NO, but the host often used gray water contributions to keep sufficient moisture in the vault toilets. Most of the time dumping any waste tank in those is prohibited.

If you do dump gray, don't put too much in one place at one time and make sure that there will be no obvious evidence of your activity after an hour or so.

Follow the local rules and don't abuse the privileges!

jimmini · 02-09-2009, 01:30 PM

Here is how I haul mine to a LEGAL dump site.For photos go the FORUMS.

click on "BOONDOCKING."

Click on "BOONDOCKING AND WASTE"

Go to PAGE 4,POSTING # 48.

Fyrzowt · 02-09-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Once while hiking I saw the aftereffects where somebody stopped in the middle of the road and let the black tank go...

I had the "privilege" of cleaning one of these up a couple of years ago. A fellow pulled into a dip in the road where he thought he was out of sight, pulled the handle and let it all go in the road.
Only problem was, a car came along, saw him and reported him; he was not only ticketed but also charged a cost recovery fee for our cleanup.
A dump station would have been MUCH cheaper.

wahoonc · 02-09-2009, 06:08 PM

Depends on the situation...I have a 20 gallon black tank and a 10 gallon grey tank....we have a lot of thirsty raccoons around here

If it is prohibited we will break out an auxiliary tank, but they are a PITA if it has to be hauled to the dump station. If you happen to be courtesy parking at our house we encourage the grey water be directed toward the garden

Black tanks we have a proper dump line into the septic system.

Aaron