Guidelines for Using Greywater

Guidelines for Using Greywater

Greywater (all non-toilet household wastewater) can be a good water resource during times of drought and water restrictions, but its reuse can carry health and environmental risks. The main sources of reusable greywater are bath or shower water, and laundry water.  

If you wish to make use of this water source you may choose to employ any of the methods described below. Consideration should also be given to the type of detergents and cleaning products used as these can affect plant growth and soil conditions. Further information regarding this can be found on the savewater!^® website, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. 

If you are interested in diversion or treatment products described you should refer to commercial retailers such as garden centres, or water industry retailers of greywater products, as well as contacting your local Council for any health or environmental requirements.  

Manual greywater reuse

The most obvious and simple way to reuse greywater is manual collection and bucketing of greywater to the second use – for example your garden.  This is acceptable if the guidelines suggested below for greywater reuse are followed.

Greywater diversion

Greywater can also be reused by installation of readily available products specifically designed for this purpose. There are a number of simple diversion devices available that enable the direct reuse of greywater from domestic plumbing. Some devices available include collection, detention and distribution of the greywater. 

Diversion devices require installation by a licensed plumber and may require Council approval. You should talk to your local Council regarding requirements - a link is provided at the bottom of the page.

Greywater treatment systems

There are permanent greywater recycling systems available that treat greywater prior to its use in the garden, or for toilet flushing. Any greywater system that involves treatment and disinfection prior to use will require Council and EPA approval. Please refer to the EPA and your local Council regarding this using the links provided at the bottom of the page.

Guidelines for Greywater reuse

The Victorian EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) have provided these dos and don’ts for reusing greywater:

Greywater dos

• Only use wastewater from baths, showers, hand basins and washing machines (preferably the final rinse water).
• Only use greywater on the garden and rotate which areas you water.
• Only apply enough water that the soil can absorb.
• Wash your hands following watering with greywater.
•  Stop using greywater during wet periods.
•  Stop using greywater if odours are generated and plants do not appear to be healthy.

Greywater don'ts

• Water vegetable gardens if the crop is to be eaten raw or uncooked.
• Use greywater that has faecal contamination, for example wastewater used to launder nappies.
• Use kitchen wastewater (including dishwashers) due to the high concentration of food wastes and chemicals that are not readily   broken down by soil organisms.
• Store greywater for more than 24 hours.
• Let children or pets drink or play with greywater.
• Allow greywater to flow from your property or enter stormwater systems.

More Information

The savewater!^® Alliance works with member water businesses, government agencies and product companies to deliver water conservation programs throughout Australia. savewater!^® offers a combination of web resources and practical programs to help all Australians change the way they use water.

To help you save water, specific solutions, products, case studies and related information is available on their website.  Tips for greywater reuse are available in the ‘Home’, and the ‘Garden’ sections of the website.
http://www.savewater.com.au/

For general tips in relation to reuse of greywater refer to the attached brochure:
Download: EPA's greywater brochure (PDF, 618 kB)

The Department of Human Services has developed a guidance note describing the appropriate uses for greywater, viewed via the following link: http://www/health.vic.gov.au/environment/water/recycle.htm

If you wish to install a permanent greywater recycling system, further information can be obtained from EPA’s information bulletin Domestic Wastewater Management Series, Reuse Options for Household Wastewaster, Publication 812.

Download EPA Publication 812: (http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/reuse/reuse.asp)

The Alternative Technology Association is Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation, promoting sustainable technology and practice. The ATA provides general information on the availability, establishment and maintenance of greywater systems.
http://www.ata.org.au/

The Smart Approved WaterMark is a not-for-profit scheme established by four associations, the Australian Water Association, Irrigation Australia Ltd, the Nursery and Garden Industry, Australia and the Water Services Association of Australia. Products are listed on their website at the following link, then click on Approved Products to see categories including Greywater Systems.
http://www.smartwatermark.info/

For further information on greywater reuse systems speak to your local council. Your local council can be located via the following link: http://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/

 

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