Coloradoan city government reporter Molly Bohannon recently reported that the city is considering an ordinance to allow graywater systems, with a catch.

In such systems, water is collected from bathroom sinks, laundry room sinks, bathtubs, showers or laundry machines after its first use. The ordinance would allow second use of that water only for toilet flushing because of existing water rights in the region, Bohannon reported: "Local regulations from Northern Water, which manages Colorado Big Thompson water that flows to Fort Collins, prevent graywater from being used for below-ground irrigation but allow it for toilet flushing."

While we didn't specifically ask a question about this news, Coloradoan commenters shared their insights on the development.

For many, the cost of installing a graywater system wouldn't be worth it, they said:

"Thirty to 65 years to recoup your initial investment. ... I think I'll pass," Bill F. said.

Wm_R. did some math. "The average cost for a greywater system is between $2,500 to $4,000 but can go as high as $20,000. Can't water the yard, only use it to flush the toilet. FTC mandates a 1.2 gal per flush toilet or less. So assuming you use 100 gallons of water a day, that allows about 83 flushes a day. I imagine few folks flush that frequently, so given this, the long payback period seems about right. Also given the expense plus the upkeep of the system, it doesn't make sense for us to retrofit."

On certain new builds, it might have potential, Aurora H. said. "It might be cheaper at new construction so your cistern can be put in the ground when they dig utilities and underground plumbing. But it's largely infeasible for existing properties. It makes more sense for multifamily than it does for (single-family) residential."

For some people, a big investment could be worth making for the greater good:

"Solar panels are likewise a long payback on your investment, but they're popping on rooftops all around town, and have been for many, many years. Some people believe that the price is worth it to save the planet," John M. said.

Likewise, Mimi K said: "The 'payback' calculations should include the nonmarket benefits of water savings, plus the savings associated with not using drinking water to flush toilets and water yards."

But John M. also thinks there should be more allowable second uses for the water: "The first step should be overhauling the rule/law that requires gray water to only be used for flushing toilets."

Whether that's ever likely to change is a question we'll have to ask water experts.

In addition to considering whether the city should make changes to its rental occupancy rule known as U+2, it's considering whether to establish regulation of rental properties in town through either a registration system or a more enforceable licensing system.

The conversation here focuses on the latter: Should the city require landlords to either register or obtain a license to rent their properties?

While City Council members seem undecided on which approach to take, Coloradoan commenters focused more on whether any program should be established at all.

Some of them expressed wanting renters to have more protections, like Wm_R.: "Hopefully, it would help control some of the abuses in the marketplace and generate a bit of revenue as well. (That means don't charge just enough to cover the program or too little to cover the program)."

But what will it do to the cost of renting? "Any added costs to landlords will be passed on in higher rents to the renters," David T. predicted.

Wm_R said one problem is that rents are increasing landlords' profits "more and faster than actual costs are increasing."

But the costs are rising for good reason, David T. said, and the market will decide what's too much: "They are raising the rent because of ever escalating costs like property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance. If they charged too much no one would rent the place."

Finally, here's an idea from Raymond A. that takes a targeted approach to distinguish between larger-scale investors who might not have as big of a stake in the quality of life in Fort Collins neighborhoods and current/former residents using their old house as a rental:

"If you rent home to 1 lessor, it is licensed home rental. If you rent a home to 2 or more lessors, it is a business and regulated. Protect the neighborhoods."

Last week, we asked you what questions you have for the candidates running for county, state and national office in November's election. We've received a few responses and will use those to inform the questions we ask of the candidates for our election guide, which you can expect by the time ballots start arriving in mailboxes in mid-October.

In the meantime, keep adding your questions there. We look forward to understanding what's important to you, the voters.