The following is how PolyParadise will be handling Gray Water issues for Burning Man 2026.

Over the 27yrs PolyParadise has been on the Playa, we have experimented with various ways to handle our Gray Water. Gray Water Collection Services are now provided by United Site Services.

The Gray Water & Trash Areas are both clearly marked and as each new camp member starts to unpack they are reminded of their location and their use.  The Tank delivery, service and pickup were without incident we were provided with (4) 275 Gallon tanks - (3) for PolyParadise | (1) for Twisted Swan.. This system worked well as we had one tank for the shower and the other for the sink and one for overflow until service arrived. The amount of total gray water generated as a camp was lower than in previous years due to the kitchen not being functional for every meal due to weather related events; all told we generated approx ~500G of grey water from the sink and ~200G from the shower.

For 2026 we will again be contracting with United Site Services to Deliver & Service our Grey Water.

Gray water is defined as water from human activities not including human or other body waste. This includes washing, showers etc.

Black water is defined as water that includes human or other body waste. This includes poop, pee, blood and that "other stuff."

At no time will Poly Paradise process black water. Burning Man has provided Porto-Potties for such disposal.

Our gray water will be from the following four sources:
1- Kitchen dishwater
2- Community Shower
3- Human Carcass Wash
4- Camper generated from individual cooking and showers

We are estimating the following volumes from each source:

Kitchen- 25+ Gallons per Day (GpD)
Shower- 50 GpD
HCW- 5 GpD
Other- 5 GpD
------------
Total 135 GpD

* Conserve Water
* Screen your Gray, Keep your Chunks

Having a Gray Water tank within camp for our Gray Water Disposal does not mean we do not care about Water Conservation, in-fact, it will make us more aware of the volume of water we produce as a camp.

The collection points are the Kitchen & Shower. Dishwashing Water will be collected just under the sink and screened for particulate matter before making its way to the Holding Tank via small diameter tubing. Available to assist in dishwashing will be Biodegradable-Mother Earth Friendly Soap as well as Bleach Sanitizer.

All cooking oil or other materials not suited for the Holding Tank will be collected in 5-Gallon sealable buckets for Off-Playa transportation & disposal.

Shower Water - There will be one main camp shower available to all campers. The shower will be strategically located along the Service Road near the Holding Tank. To reduce the frustration levels all around with Transport, Setup & Maintenance we have decided to invest in an enclosed shower structure. The structure is the same size as a Porto Potty structure but without the Porto part aka a Shower! You supply the water..

All shower water drainage will be collected and transported to the Holding Tank via small diameter tubing with the assistance of a small motor pump.

The shower water collection area should never be used for Gray Water Disposal. Do not urinate or empty personal pee containers into our Gray Water system, please use the Porto-Potties.

See Camp Shower

Human Carcass Wash - Gray Water Collection - In running the HCW the participants stand in plastic troughs to catch the water and particulate matter washed from bodies. This water will be filtered to remove these particulates and the water transported to the Holding Tank.