In Billings and Laurel, where both conservation and cost-efficiency are top priorities for homeowners, greywater systems are gaining traction as a practical solution for sustainable living. Unlike blackwater (from toilets), greywater is relatively clean wastewater from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and laundry machines. With the right setup, it can be safely filtered and reused for irrigation or toilet flushing—turning waste into a resource while easing the load on municipal systems.
At Brown Plumbing, we believe greywater systems represent the future of plumbing in Montana. Not only can they help lower water bills, but they also reduce strain on local water supplies and lessen the environmental impact of everyday living.
What Is Greywater, and How Is It Used?
Greywater includes the water that drains from handwashing, bathing, and laundry—basically, everything except kitchen sinks and toilets. Though it’s not suitable for drinking, it’s often clean enough to reuse with minimal treatment, especially for non-potable uses like landscape irrigation or flushing toilets.
A typical household in Billings could repurpose up to 40 to 60 percent of its wastewater through a greywater system. That means thousands of gallons annually that no longer need to be pumped, treated, or paid for twice.
How Greywater Systems Work
At its core, a greywater system diverts water from select drains into a filtration and distribution setup instead of sending it directly to the sewer. Some systems are simple, gravity-fed installations used for outdoor irrigation. Others are more advanced and include pumps, filters, or UV treatments to make water safe for additional uses indoors, like toilet flushing.
Depending on the scale, your system might be integrated into a new build, retrofitted into an existing home, or even designed as a hybrid system alongside rainwater harvesting.
Is Greywater Safe?
When properly installed and maintained, yes. Montana’s plumbing code has clear guidelines on how greywater must be handled to avoid contamination. Water from laundry or showers, for instance, must be filtered and used within a set time frame—usually 24 hours—to prevent bacterial growth.
At Brown Plumbing, we design systems that meet or exceed local code and prioritize homeowner safety. We can also help you decide whether a simple manual diverter or an automated, treated system is best for your property and goals.
The Benefits Go Beyond Savings
Yes, you’ll save on your water bill—and often see a return on investment in just a few years. But the benefits of greywater systems are broader than that. You’ll reduce your demand on local aquifers, cut down on wastewater volume, and give your landscaping a more consistent water supply during dry spells.
Greywater is especially useful in Montana’s high-desert areas, where lawn watering accounts for a significant chunk of water use. With a greywater irrigation system, your trees, shrubs, or garden can thrive with no additional strain on the municipal system.
Let’s Explore Your Options
Thinking about going green with your plumbing? Whether you’re planning a remodel or just want to explore your options, Brown Plumbing is your local expert for sustainable solutions. We’ll assess your property’s layout, water use, and goals to recommend a greywater system that fits your home and budget.
Visit https://brownplbg.com or call today to schedule a consultation. Let’s find smarter ways to use the water you already have—without sacrificing safety, comfort, or performance.