Greywater tips for residents

The table below highlights the approximate wastewater produced by one person each day in an average home with average water fixtures (WELS 3 star). www.yourhome.gov.au/water/wastewater-reuse

Wastewater type

Wastewater source

L/person/day

Blackwater

Toilet

20

Greywater

Shower

63

Hand basin

6

Washing machine

13

Laundry tap

2

Other wastewater

Kitchen tap

12

Dishwasher

5

TOTAL greywater

84 (approx. 70%)

TOTAL wastewater

121

Council approval will be required for the installation of a treated or untreated greywater system. Please check with your local council before going ahead.

  Untreated greywater

If your only uses for greywater will be outside the home, then your greywater will not need to be treated.

Untreated greywater can refer to the manual bucketing or diversion piping of water collected from showers or washing machines to your garden or lawns. Other systems can include the use of filters, pumps and irrigation systems to deliver the water more effectively.

Your untreated greywater can only be used outside the home and cannot be stored, due to the potential growth of bacteria and other pathogens. Untreated greywater must not escape from your property into the neighbouring one; or into stormwater systems or aquifers used for drinking water (this is illegal).

  Treated greywater

If you intend to use your greywater inside the home, then it will need to be treated.

Treated greywater generally carries lower health risks for both your family and the environment than untreated greywater. However, greywater treatment systems can be expensive to set up and maintain.

Depending on the type of treatment system you install, it can be used for a range of purposes, including garden watering, toilet flushing and in the laundry. A key benefit of a treated greywater system is the ability to store the water and use it when needed as opposed to having to use it immediately.

Actions that you can take to make sure that the greywater that you produce has a reduced risk include:

·         Use only low risk sources of greywater such as water from the shower, bath and laundry (kitchen sink has a higher level of organics and potential pathogens).

·         Do not use greywater on vegetables.

·         Do not use greywater if any member of your family is ill.

·         Do not allow your pets to drink greywater and keep your children way from garden areas that have recently been irrigated.

·         Make sure that your system is installed by a licenced plumber that specialises in greywater systems.

  Regular maintenance is needed to ensure that your greywater system is safe for all requirements around the home, particularly if you have opted for use inside the home.

  Untreated greywater systems have very little maintenance besides removing blockages as they occur.

  Treated greywater systems require ongoing maintenance. Depending on the type of system that has been installed, maintenance may include:

·         Regular cleaning or periodic replacement of filters.

·         Periodic de-sledging of treatment tank.

·         Manual diversion of greywater to sewer in winter.

·         Flushing of sub-surface irrigation lines.

·         Occasional replacement of pumps and the periodic testing of soil pH.

There are currently no State government rebates for WA residents for installing a greywater system.

Some local councils, particularly in new developments, may offer residents sustainability rebates or rates offsets for the installation of sustainable products including greywater systems.

Contact your local council to find out if they offer any rebates or incentives.

For further information contact the Town of Bassendean Customer Service Centre 35 Old Perth Road, Bassendean 6054 or phone 9377 8000