Greywater reuse

Using waste water on your gardens

Greywater is the waste water from your washing machine, laundry tub, shower or bath. It does not include water from toilets, urinals or bidets. Using waste water from kitchen sinks and dishwashers is also not recommended as it contains high levels of fat, grease and food remains that can clog soils, attract vermin and create unwanted smells.

Greywater is not suitable for drinking, however when Greywater is collected safely, it can be used to water your gardens without using mains water and can save hundreds of litres of fresh water each day.

Reusing greywater provides a number of benefits including:

  • reducing your water consumption
  • reducing your water bills
  • reducing the amount of water and sewage discharged to the ocean or rivers
  • irrigating your garden during dry periods
  • allowing you to water your garden when water restrictions prevent you from using mains water.

Ways to re-use greywater

Use

Description

Requirements

Manual bucketing

Small quantities of greywater are captured in a bucket for reuse immediately outside on gardens or lawns.

No council approval required

Diversion

Greywater diversion devices redirects untreated water to irrigate lawns or gardens through underground drainage at least 10 cm below the surface. The device is controlled by a tap or switch that will flush the water away to a sewer when it is not required.

No council approval required if the device has a WaterMark. Diversion devices must be installed by a licensed plumber

Treatment

Greywater treatment systems more advanced than a diversion device, these systems collect and disinfect grey water which can then be used to irrigate gardens, flush toilets and in washing machines.

Council approval is required to use treatment system and it must be fitted by a licensed plumber

Last Updated: 24 October 2022
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