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Can you dump RV gray water on the ground?

Quick answer: Usually not. Many states, counties, parks and public land agencies don't allow RV gray water on the ground, and the rules vary by place. The safe default is to keep it in your tank and empty it at a dump station or full-hookup site. Never let it run into a storm drain, creek or lake.

Gray water is the water from your sinks and shower. It feels cleaner than toilet waste, so it's tempting to open the valve at a campsite. But it still carries food scraps, grease, soap and bacteria, which is why most places treat it as wastewater.

Why most places say no

• It isn't just soapy water. Kitchen water holds food bits and grease that draw animals and insects and leave odors behind for the next campers.
• It can reach water. On sandy or rocky ground, or near a creek, lake or well, it can soak through or run off before the soil breaks it down.
• Rules are local. A rule that applies in one park, county or state may not apply in the next. Campgrounds post their own rules, and public land offices can tell you what applies on their land.

When you can't confirm the rule for the spot you're in, treat gray water like black water: hold it and dump it properly.

Never do these

• Don't drain gray water into a storm drain. Storm drains usually lead straight to creeks and rivers without treatment.
• Don't drain it into or near creeks, lakes, beaches or wells.
• Don't leave the gray valve open at a campsite without a sewer hookup, even a little. Small leaks still leave a wet, smelly patch.
• Don't use a parking lot or rest area unless it has a marked dump station.

Better options for gray water

1. A dump station. Dump black first, then gray, so the gray water rinses the hose. The step-by-step dumping guide covers the full routine, and dump station etiquette covers the line.
2. A full-hookup site. Keep the gray valve closed most of the time and open it to drain, so you have water to flush the hose after dumping black.
3. A portable waste tote. Drain the gray tank into a tote at your site and wheel it to the campground dump station without breaking camp.
4. At home, if allowed. A sewer cleanout can work where local rules and the owner allow it. See dumping RV tanks at home.

Stretching your gray tank while boondocking

On most RVs the gray tank fills first, because showers and dishes use far more water than the toilet. A few habits buy you extra days between dumps:

• Take short "navy" showers: wet down, turn the water off to soap up, then rinse.
• Wipe plates and pans with a paper towel before washing, and use a sink strainer so food stays out of the tank.
• Wash dishes in a basin and use less water to rinse.
• Use campground showers and restrooms when they're available.
• Track your tanks with the RV tank calculator so you know roughly how many days you have before you need to dump.

If your gray tank starts to smell, rinse it after your next dump and keep grease out of the sinks. The how often to dump guide covers black vs gray timing, and the black tank cleaning guide covers odors and rinsing.

Finding a place to dump

Browse dump stations by state and city, the free RV dump stations by state, or the truck stop and 24-hour lists. If a station costs money, the dump station cost guide shows typical fees.

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules for gray water differ by state, county, park and land agency, so check the posted rules or ask the campground or land office where you're staying.

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