Waste As a Resource

It seems more constructive to consider "waste" streams as "resource" streams. That perspective guides our approach for treating waste water. There are two main waste water streams to be utilized.

Types and Processing Approach

Waste water must be processed using methods approved by the New Mexico Environment Department. The regulated waste water streams include:

  1. BLACK WATER: This is waste from toilets and it is normally processed using a septic system or composting toilets. Advanced septic systems treat the effluent more completely, making it easier to reuse the excess water. Plans call for using a variety of methods, including efficient septic, composting toilets and septic with constructed wetlands. All of these methods are within guidelines approved by the New Mexico Environment Department.
  2. GRAY WATER: In New Mexico gray water is also regulated by the New Mexico Environment Department, and there is a New Mexico gray water statute that explains the manner in which gray water can be used. Please see the references below for information on handling or processing gray water. The Ranch will operate within these guidelines.

NMED Graywater Page | NMED Graywater Irrigation Guidelines Brochure

South Ranch Road