CARLSBAD, Calif. -- A Carlsbad man has invented a unique system that could save homeowners water and thousands of dollars.

Kevin Norton, an eco innovation consultant, has developed a grey water system that re-uses water from his shower and bathtub -- twice -- using supplies found at a local hardware store.

Powered by a small solar panel, the system sucks water off the shower floor, through some PVC pipes and into a collection basin. Norton's basin is a repurposed garbage can.

From there, Norton pumps the shower water through a drip irrigation system in his landscaping. He said the system saves hundreds of gallons of water every day and cut his most recent water bill 30 percent. Water is kept from going into the sewer system with a simple drain stopper.

"You can get it at Home Depot or Lowe's for about a $1.25," Norton told 10News.

A patent is pending on Norton's invention and a couple of companies are talking with him about manufacturing on a wide scale.

The system could save homeowners thousands of dollars, and Norton estimates it will cost between $500 and $700. A full-grade grey water system would cost upwards of $10,000. It would also need a series of permits because it would require changing the plumbing in your foundation.

Of course, those systems are nearly impossible to install without tearing apart part of a home's concrete foundation. Norton's invention can be installed simply through a wall or the pipes could be run out of a window.

Norton said, "It took me an hour-and-a-half to put it in. It’ll take me about 30 minutes to take it down.

"I’m doing this to help maybe empower homeowners to start conserving water and to do their part," Norton added.

For more information on the grey water system, you can e-mail Norton at WaterWiseHomes@gmail.com.