Avoiding regulations around Dye

I'm currently working on a larger residential, sustainable community living space in Massachusetts. We have a rainwater collection system designed to be used for toilets and washing machines (nonpotable water). One issue we're running into is state mandated regulations that require us to dye the water. Unfortunately that doesn't work well with washing machines and clothes......

I tend to be an "off the radar" environmentalist with my sustainable practices so I've never really dealt with permits and regulations. We have an approved permit but are trying to fight against the regulation for dye. The water itself will be cleaned to pretty much drinking water standards. Does anyone have any experience with or examples of other projects that have dealt with and fought off this regulation? Trying to build a defense and any help or outside ideas would be great!

That stinks, Rachel, I'm sorry you're having to deal with this overreaching law(probably intended for good, but not working for you or permaculture needs).  

Do they specify what types of dye to use, or is anything okay, as long as it's colored?

you could add some type of dye that would be destroyed by the laundry soap(or some other sort of reagent)?

Or maybe there's a natural dye that is not absorb-able by the clothing fibers?

Something like this:

Turn Colored water back to Clear

But you'd have to make sure the acid+base reaction creates components that are still laundry/skin contact safe(not sure how or if possible, not a chemist)

Wow. Not sure what to think, but i have questions. I assume they want it dyed since its non-potable and they want people to say " that looks wierd, don't drink it..."

Whats the regulations for potable water , as in rain water for drinking? Is it illegal, is it so regulated that its easier to tag it non-potable and dye it?

I am with Wayne on this point.
I would research the reasoning behind it, and try to develop an alternative. Experirnce around the world, Australia for a start will show the use of dye is bewildering.

what about using laundry bluing?? it would dye the water blue.