Recycle your water and save!
Grey water is all non-toilet household wastewater from showers, baths, basins, washing machines, laundry troughs, dishwashers and kitchen sinks.
Grey water can be a valuable water resource in dry periods, but its reuse can also carry health and environmental risks.
You can use untreated grey water by directly diverting from the laundry trough, washing machine, basin, shower or bath via a diversion device and hose—or you can simply carry it out in a bucket.
For a simple grey water diversion system, you do not need council or EPA approval, but you must have it installed by a licensed plumber.
Grey water Do’s
- Reuse wastewater from baths, showers, hand basins & washing machines (preferably the final rinse water)
- Only apply as much grey water on the garden as the soil can absorb & rotate the areas you irrigate
- Wash your hands after watering with grey water
- Stop using grey water if plants appear to become unhealthy or if odours are generated
- Use environmentally friendly shampoos, detergents & cleaning products to better protect your soil & plants
Grey water Don’ts
- Water vegetable gardens if the crop is to be eaten raw or uncooked
- Use kitchen wastewater (including from dishwashers), due to the high concentration of food wastes & chemicals that are not readily broken down by soil organisms
- Let children or pets drink or play with grey water
- Use grey water that has faecal contamination, such as from washing nappies or soiled sheets
- Store grey water for more than 24 hours, or store in rainwater tanks
- Allow grey water to flow from your property or enter storm water drains.
So, by collecting and re-using your water for the garden, your water bill will be reduced and you’re also doing your bit for the environment!
You could also take things one step further and have a rainwater tank installed too! Collect rain water in your tank for household use and then recycle out to the garden….hello savings!
Give Tomlinson Plumbing a call if you’d like to know more!
