According to Massachusetts regulations, how should gray water be managed?

Gray water management in Massachusetts is governed by regulations that emphasize safety and environmental protection. The requirement to treat and reuse gray water or discharge it into a permitted drainage system ensures that public health is safeguarded while also promoting water conservation. By treating gray water, potential pathogens and contaminants can be minimized, making it safer for reuse in non-potable applications, such as irrigation or toilet flushing.

Discharging gray water into a permitted drainage system further helps to manage waste effectively and in accordance with local environmental standards, preventing pollution and ensuring that water is properly handled within the waste management infrastructure. This approach aligns with sustainable plumbing practices and helps in conserving water resources, which is a critical aspect of modern plumbing codes.

Options that suggest discarding gray water into the environment, releasing it directly into storm drains, or allowing it to be stored without treatment do not adhere to these principles and could pose significant risks to health and the environment, leading to potential contamination of water sources.