What is greywater?
Grey water is the waste water stream from all sources other than the toilet and kitchen because this water contains sewage, oil, fats and food scraps which will not break down easily and will cause blockage in filters and pipes. Most houses can easily re-use Greywater from their laundry’s and bathrooms to water the garden.
On average an Australian household will use 700-800 litres of water per day. This equals about 300,000 litres of water a year, and 40% of that use is on gardens. Water is a very valuable, scarce resource in Western Australia, this is why any endeavour to reduce freshwater consumption or to reduce wastewater disposal is encouraged.
What do you need to know about Greywater?
- Any Greywater system must be approved by your local government and a licenced plumber is required to make any changes to the sewer system
- The Greywater needs to first pass through a filter and/or settling tank before reuse. The filter will remove any coarse materials (i.e. hair, soap, sand)
- Greywater cannot be used to water root-crop vegetables (i.e. carrots) but can be used on above ground food and fruit crops, lawn and other plants.
- An overflow safety device and diverter valve needs to be installed to divert Greywater back into the sewer line or into a wastewater treatment system.
You may also like
Tips to save water
Saving water, especially in summer is really important. Not only does it mean you care about the environment but you save on your bills! Here are some simple tips to try. 1. Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth 2. Check your toilet for leaks, this can save up ...
Australian bushfire protection advice for your Rural home
Protect your home from potential damage During summer the risk of bush fires drastically increases. Even if you don’t live in a high risk area it is always a good idea to protect your home from potential damage. Please have a read of the following Australian bushfire protection advice ...
Double brick vs brick veneer construction
Practical implications of double-brick structures and timber-framed structures In Perth, it is assumed that double brick construction is the best construction method due to its popularity, however this isn’t necessarily the case. The best construction method for your new home depends on a number of factors including your block ...
