Recreational Vans

Grey water disposal rules

How agencies typically classify grey water

Campgrounds with full hookups route grey water to sewer systems just like black water.
Many state parks and national forests prohibit ground discharge unless signs or staff say otherwise.
Municipal codes often classify grey water as wastewater and restrict any release outside approved systems.

Grey water vs black water

Grey water comes from sinks and showers.
Black water includes toilet waste and must always go into a proper sewer or dump station.
Some parks apply the same rules to both, so plan for conservative disposal.

Where you can and cannot dispose grey water

The safest universal answer is an RV dump station or a full hookup sewer connection. These facilities are designed to handle household wastewater and prevent contamination. Many gas stations, travel centers, and campgrounds list dump stations in popular apps and maps. Carry a dedicated hose and keep it separate from your potable water gear.

When, and only when, a land manager explicitly allows soil dispersal, follow strict guidelines. Strain solids, use biodegradable soap, and disperse water over a wide area at least two hundred feet from lakes, streams, and dry washes. Choose a durable surface where the soil can absorb water without pooling. Keep volume small and avoid food scented residues that can attract animals. If there is any uncertainty, do not discharge.

Places to avoid at all times

Storm drains, road gutters, culverts, or ditches
Trailheads, picnic areas, and high traffic campsites
Any surface within two hundred feet of water sources or wetlands
Private property without written permission

What signs and permits tell you

Campground maps and posted rules will indicate dump locations and sewer hookups.
Rangers and camp hosts can clarify local policies and seasonal restrictions.
Some areas require self contained units with sealed tanks, especially during peak season or in sensitive zones.

Best practices for vans and RV travelers

Start with the right capacity. A typical couple may fill a ten to twenty gallon grey tank in a few days depending on dishwashing and shower habits. Use sink strainers to capture food bits and empty them into the trash. Avoid bleach and heavy chemicals that can harm septic systems. Choose low phosphate, biodegradable soaps. Even with eco friendly products, always treat grey water as wastewater and dispose responsibly.

Carry a portable tote if your campsite is far from the dump station. A tote lets you transfer grey water without moving your vehicle. Label plumbing clearly to prevent accidental discharge and add an accessible shutoff at the outlet. Inspect lines and fittings for leaks and tighten clamps as part of regular maintenance. In freezing conditions, use tank heaters or insulation and keep valves closed until you reach a dump point to prevent ice damage.

Track your usage. Many modern control panels display tank levels, but you can also estimate by measuring sink flow rates and counting minutes of use. Build routines around dump station visits at the end of a stay or fuel stop. Keep a small kit ready with gloves, a dedicated hose, hose cap, and sanitizer. After dumping, flush the hose with clean water and stow it in a sealed bin.

Quick checklist before you dump

Confirm location is an approved dump station or sewer hookup
Wear gloves and connect your dedicated waste hose
Open valves slowly and monitor for leaks
Rinse hose, close caps, and store gear in a sealed container
Wash hands and record any maintenance needs

Planning your route

Add dump stations to your map before you travel
Reserve full hookup sites for longer stays
Budget tank capacity for dry camping and remote trailheads
Ask hosts or rangers if a rule is unclear

How OZK Customs helps you stay compliant

If you want a van that makes grey water management easy, build it right from the start. OZK Customs designs integrated grey water systems with reliable tanks, clearly marked valves, and simple drain access. Explore our recreational vans, see options for a custom van build, or review our mainstream vans that align with common financing paths. Our Fayetteville shop hands off each build with a walkthrough so you know exactly how to dump, winterize, and maintain your system.

Ready to simplify grey water compliance and focus on the trip, not the tanks. Contact OZK Customs to design a system that fits your travel style and keeps you on the right side of the rules.