Greywater

Greywater is the term for waste water that comes from the sink, shower, bath and washing machines. It can be a great way to keep your garden alive during water restrictions, but it is important to understand what this water is, and how it can affect your garden.

Greywater can be collected from your house with a simple diversion system of pipes and valves, or you can install a complete recycling system that will treat and clean your greywater. The cost of systems vary,  but there are government rebates available in some areas of Australia, and by using water that you would normally waste you will also be saving money on your water bill each month.

In an ideal world, used water should not be recycled without extensive filtration. Greywater can contain chemicals from soap, shampoo and detergent which will leach into the soil. Be aware that soap and detergents are poisonous to frogs. Your greywater can also contain biological material such as skin, sweat, hair and food particles. These contaminants may be so small that the water appears perfectly clear, but your plants and wildlife will know differently. 

It is important NEVER to use greywater from a dishwasher or kitchen sink, as it can contain a higher amount of chemicals as well as food contaminants that will attract rodents and insects to your garden. A few crumbs and food scraps might not seem appetizing to us but they are a feast for bugs and creepy crawlies.

Try to alternate between greywater and cleaner water such as rainwater, and stop using greywater altogether if your plants begin to appear unhealthy.

You can make your greywater more environmentally friendly by switching to biological, natural or low phosphorus soaps and cleaning products. These products are not only better for your plants but can be kinder on your skin too.

Check with your local council for more information about the rules and guidelines for using greywater in your area. They will also be able to let you know about any rebates available for installing a greywater system in your home, as well as any licenses that you may need.

More good news about greywater is that is good for the Oceans. We pump millions of tons of sewage into the Australian coastline each year. This dirty water is full of chemicals from our homes, which damage the marine life surrounding our island. By diverting greywater into our gardens, even in small amounts we can help to filter this water before it ends up in the ocean.

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