Grey Water use for dousing firepit?

[XJINTX]

Just wonder the proper use and etiquette for using Grey Water?

Is it improper to use Grey Water to ensure the fire is out and doused before leaving the area?

My FWC has 20 gal of fresh water and never ran out but... I'd rather not use to ensure firepit is safe.

 

[pugslyyy]

Just wonder the proper use and etiquette for using Grey Water?

Is it improper to use Grey Water to ensure the fire is out and doused before leaving the area?

My FWC has 20 gal of fresh water and never ran out but... I'd rather not use to ensure firepit is safe.

Sure, that's the same as dumping your dirty dishwater on the fire to put it out. No big deal.

 

[Scoutn79]

That is fine, that is exactly what I do. The forest service allows dumping of grey water, just not black (duh).

Darrell

 

[mhiscox]

That is fine, that is exactly what I do. The forest service allows dumping of grey water, just not black (duh).

I think it will depend on where you are and what your grey water consists of. Depending on what we've been washing off our dishes, it's possible to get some pretty stinky, fly-attracting grey water. But by using biodegradable soaps, we avoid the sudsy, high-phosphate residue that hangs around from normal soaps.

Your proposed use is a good one, though. It seems a different issue than just letting the groundwater run onto the ground at the rear of your vehicle, which can get ugly. And while lots of state and local parks, and almost all private parks, restrict grey water dumping to the provided sumps, I wouldn't think you'd be hassled for using relatively clear grey water in the firepit.

 

[jackattack]

Sounds like an appropriate way to reuse a precious resource to me.

Many people us grey water to irrigate their gardens, etc.

 

[PIC4GOD]

What about if you are in bear country? Seems counterintuitive to dump grey water with food scraps or smells in a location that you are continuing to camp in or someone else may camp.

 

[lqdchkn]

I agree, same as dumping dish/shower water. Should be fine

 

[Scoutn79]

What about if you are in bear country? Seems counterintuitive to dump grey water with food scraps or smells in a location that you are continuing to camp in or someone else may camp.

Please don't get me wrong and don't take bear safety lightly but....
I guess it depends on how close you camp to your fire pit. I think a bear might come by and sniff but that's about it. There is going to be more soap and water than real food. I have had so many bears come into camp at night I can bearly (pun intended) keep track. Don't get me wrong, they are big, powerful and should be given the respect they deserve but I don't think your going to have a big issue...

Darrell

 

[PIC4GOD]

Not taken the wrong way at all. I guess I'm just way overly cautious. Thanks for your input!

 

[zidaro]

just don't get CAUGHT dumping/using your grey water out of the camper tank in a National Park. Big NoNo. Unless you just have a tent and use a bucket for the same chores, then you can just smash it any ole where

 

[pugslyyy]

just don't get CAUGHT dumping/using your grey water out of the camper tank in a National Park. Big NoNo. Unless you just have a tent and use a bucket for the same chores, then you can just smash it any ole where

"It depends" - I've had staff tell me it is okay to dump gray water in all kinds of unexpected places.

 

[deadbird]

Anything you can do to prevent an accidental forest fire is good in my book.

 

[IdaSHO]

My only concerns are as follows:


*Burning of potentially hazardous substances. Whats in your grey water? Oil, soaps, etc? And what really happens to it when it is burned?

*Local water source contamination. How close are you to a water source? Legally, how far SHOULD you be to even camp?

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

I triple filter my grey water, then use it for showering, then take the solids to an "epa certified " disposal site for toxic waste.

 

[Canufixit]

I triple filter my grey water, then use it for showering, then take the solids to an "epa certified " disposal site for toxic waste.

Sorry but that shower sounds /nasty ....