RVing has a big advantage over tent camping: a mobile restroom and kitchen. You get to take water with you and bathe and wash wherever you go.
As RVers are self-contained and carry their own water supply, they also have to dispose of their wastewater in a responsible and legal manner.
This leads to the question: Can you legally dump gray water on the ground while camping?
The answers depend on what kind of land you are on and state laws, but we’ll try to clear it up as much as possible.
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First, let’s quickly define RV gray water (aka graywater or grey water). RV gray water is the wastewater generated from the shower, bathroom sink, and kitchen sink, excluding toilet waste.
It is different from black water, which is sewage from the toilet. Gray water can contain soap, shampoo, and small food particles, making it a potential environmental hazard if not disposed of properly.
In most states, it is illegal to dump gray water on the ground. However, some states do allow it, but typically with very specific restrictions.
For instance, Arizona allows you to dump gray water on your private land with exclusions, such as water from a kitchen sink, dishwasher, and more.
Instead, RVers are required to dispose of gray water in approved dumping stations or through alternative methods, such as using a private septic tank or recycling system. There are ways to dump RV tanks at home.
You must research specific states to determine local dumping laws.
There are good reasons for gray water dumping regulations. Notably, gray water can contain chemicals and other contaminants that can harm the environment and pollute rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Dumping gray water on the ground can also attract wildlife and insects, leading to environmental imbalances. That’s why sink water and dishwater, especially, are almost never allowed to be dumped on the ground.
It’s worth noting that dumping gray water on the ground is widely frowned upon, even in areas where it is legal. Dumping gray water goes against the “Leave No Trace” pledge all RVers and campers are encouraged to take.
So, it’s best to dump gray water at a dump station or sewage facility, even when you can legally dump it on the ground.
Most RV parks and campgrounds have dumping stations where RVers can dispose of their gray water and black water. These dumping stations are designed to handle wastewater properly and prevent environmental damage.
The dumping stations usually have a sewer connection, and RVers can use a hose to empty their tanks.
We have to main resources to help you find RV dump stations:
If you do not have access to a dumping station, you can use alternative methods for disposing of gray water. The main alternatives are:
Read more about each of these alternatives.
Illegally dumping gray water on the ground can result in fines and legal consequences. Depending on the state, fines for illegally dumping gray water can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. The RV owner may also be required to pay for the cleanup and restoration of the affected area.
Additionally, illegal dumping of gray water can harm the environment and pose health risks to people and animals. It can also negatively impact the RV camping experience for others, as it can lead to foul odors and unsanitary conditions.
One of the best ways to responsibly manage gray water while RV camping is to reduce your overall usage. Not only does this help conserve water, but it also reduces the amount of gray water that needs to be disposed of.
Here are some tips for reducing your gray water usage:
Consider using a low-flow showerhead or even take “Navy showers” to reduce the amount of gray water generated. A Navy shower is when you turn the water off between wetting and rinsing.
You should also check out How to Take a GOOD Shower in an RV (Is It Even Possible?!)
This is more of a best practice than a water-saving tip, but it’s worth mentioning. Choose environmentally friendly, biodegradable soaps and shampoos that won’t harm the environment when they’re disposed of.
These eco-friendly products are ideal whether you’re dumping at a station or legally dumping on the ground.
Try using a dishpan or basin to wash dishes, and use minimal water to rinse them off. This collapsible dish tub is a great option for RVs.
If you really need to conserve water, you can bypass dishwashing by using compostable paper plates and utensils. They are a great eco-friendly alternative to standard disposable dish sets.
A drop in the bucket does, in fact, add up over time. Check your RV’s plumbing for leaks, and fix any leaks immediately to prevent water waste.
By implementing these tips and tricks, you can significantly reduce your overall gray water usage and help ensure that you’re being a responsible RVer.
Get the Home Study Course today and worry about the road, not the repairs!
Every time you move your RV it’s like driving through a hurricane during an earthquake. Parts break and many items need to be maintained, this program will show you how you can save time and money by gaining the confidence to take on the majority of the issues you’ll come across. Don’t get caught with your RV in the shop! Learn how you can maintain and repair your RV at your own pace and at the most convenient time for you! This course is produced by the National RV Training Academy.
This may be an indelicate subject, but the matter of choosing the right RV toilet paper and understanding your RV’s black tank sensors are critically important to your enjoyment of the RV Lifestyle.
So, being as tactful as possible, let’s talk about this unavoidable reality of RVing. Read more…
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It’s time to dump! Emptying your black and gray RV tanks may sound like a messy hassle but it’s a lot simpler than you think. Follow along these 5 easy steps to operating your macerator pump and safely drain both the black and gray water tanks.
New York’s Adirondack Park is immense. In fact, it’s greater in size than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.
Created by New York in 1892, it is a constitutionally protected “Forever Wild” area and contains 85% of all wilderness in the eastern United States.
There are about 3,000 beautiful clean lakes in the region, surrounded by lush forests and dozens of small charming towns to visit.
This ebook is a seven day guided exploration of New York’s Adirondack Park and Finger Lakes.
We provide a suggested route and itinerary, links to multiple campgrounds and boondocking spots, and the best spots to see along the way.
Don’t plan your trip to Upstate New York without it!
You can see ALL our eBooks here, or use the following Quick Links to go straight to what you need!
● Arizona
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And MANY of these are BUNDLED together:
Ultimate Michigan and Great Lakes Bundle – 3 ebooks –
Upper Peninsula, Lower Peninsula, and the Great Lakes Tour
Michigan Bundle
Upper Peninsula, Lower Peninsula
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Ultimate 7-Day RV Adventure Guide Bundle
Collection 1- our first 10 ebooks (does NOT contain Great Lakes Shoreline or Natchez Trace)
We also have a nice collection of ebooks that will help you navigate the RV Lifestyle.
Like these:
The Beginner’s Guide to Boondocking
The Ultimate Guide to Cheap or FREE RV Camping Sites
Boondocking and Free RV Camping EBOOK Bundle
The Beginner’s Guide to Boondocking ebook and Ultimate Guide to Free Camping Sites
And ONE PRINT book ???? and yes, before you ask, we have plans for MANY more print books.
The Complete Guide to Boondocking – PRINT VERSION
This is the same as the ebook titled The Beginner’s Guide to Boondocking but in print.
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