Apr - 2007 Safe use of Grey Waters
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.
Greywater can be reused following a few simple steps with readily available systems. A number of products are now on the market that enable access to greywater from domestic plumbing situations. These products are designed for immediate greywater reuse.
The EPA of Victoria suggests some guidelines that for greywater use. For more information about greywater use please speak to your local council or water authority.
Greywater can be reused following a few simple steps with readily available systems. A number of products are now on the market that enable access to greywater from domestic plumbing situations. These products are designed for immediate greywater reuse.
The EPA of Victoria suggests some guidelines that for greywater use. For more information about greywater use please speak to your local council or water authority.
Greywater do's
- 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.
- 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.