Our city banned graywater at a time when water is our limiting factor, and this year it’s impossible to ignore. What is graywater? It is the gently used water from laundry, bathroom sinks, and showers that can be reused to nourish landscapes instead of being sent straight to the sewer.
Host Ally Richardson and Joe Petsche explore what it means to live in step with nature’s boundaries and why Colorado Springs must adopt smarter, regenerative water strategies now. They also dive into how graywater can cut costs, ease infrastructure strain, and build a resilient future for our region. Join the movement for a water wise city by signing the petition! Visit peacheswater.com
Mentioned In This Episode:
Colorado passed graywater legislation in 2015, allowing jurisdictions to adopt or opt out. CDPHE Reg. 86 - Graywater Control
Since January 1, 2026, Colorado Springs residents are banned from reusing their own laundry and shower water on their plants. Peacheswater.com is rallying support to reverse the ban and restore simple, safe graywater reuse. Add your name to the petition and urge City Council to bring graywater back.
Colorado Springs Ordinance 25-99, prohibiting the use of graywater
El Paso County Resolution No. 25-342 Resolution Prohibiting Graywater Use In Unincorporated El Paso County and Directing Further Analysis of a Possible Future Graywater Use Program
Adoption of Chaffee County Graywater
Listen to Peak Environment Episode #152 Biochar
Graywater Research:
Removal of anionic surfactant from aqueous solutions by adsorption onto biochars: characterisation, kinetics, and mechanism
Greywater Treatment Using Activated Biochar Produced from Agricultural Waste
Escherichia coli Removal in Biochar-Modified Biofilters: Effects of Biofilm
Laundry To Landscape Classes
DPHE has partnered with Red Rocks Community College to bring laundry to landscape classes to all Denver residents and individuals who work in the City and County of Denver.
Lakewood, Colorado 10/19/2026 – 10/20/2026 Course Cost - $495 Fee *The full cost of this course is eligible for a rebate for individuals who live, work or attend higher education courses in Denver. Visit the Green Jobs Training Rebates webpage for more information. Registration Info here
Veda
"Water is the rebel element, it won't conform to the laws of physics or gravity and it can't be killed. Without it there is no life. It reincarnates for all to see and science tells us it came to Earth from outer space. Rebellious, nonconformist, eternal and alien.....just look at the power we are filled with." Veda Austin
Dr Emoto
Interested in learning more about permaculture? Visit pikespeakpermaculture.org to learn more about our programs, including…
Permaculture In Action Summer Tour Series
See several local landscapes which have been practicing permaculture design. This unique opportunity allows you to see various stages of implementation over many sites.
Register Here
2027 Permaculture Design Course
Take a deeper dive and come learn together with us as community.
Register for Course Here
This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at pikespeakpermaculture.org
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
Pikes Peak Permaculture
350 Colorado Springs
GrowthBusters
Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.
