Grey water reuse
Greywater is wastewater from washing machines, showers, baths and basins. Kitchen wastewater is usually not suitable.
The use of greywater is regulated because of its potential to spread disease, pollute waterways, degrade the soil and impact groundwater tables.
Health risks are higher if untreated greywater is stored or used so that in comes into contact with children, pets, birds or insects.
Greywater can be used in three ways:
- Manual Bucketing – no Council approval required. Do not store water or allow it to run off your property or pool on the ground. Do not use when raining or ground is saturated.
- Greywater Diversion devices – water is not stored and irrigates by drip sub-surface (covered) irrigation. Water is diverted to sewer when raining or soil is saturated. Only NSW Health accredited systems are permitted. Council approval is required for installation if performance criteria cannot be met (refer to Council policy).
- Greywater Treatment Systems – Water is collected, treated to a high standard and can be stored for reuse in toilets, washing clothes or irrigation by hose, spray or drip. Only NSW Health accredited systems are permitted. Council approval is required for installation and operation.
Greywater irrigation needs to be designed appropriately to account for the treatment level, amount of water, the soil type and local weather conditions.
Greywater reuse is an option during drought to reduce the use of potable water however installation of permanent greywater reuse in urban areas across the LGA is not recommended due to long term environmental and health risks.
NSW Health Accredited systems - https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/domesticwastewater/Pages/default.aspx
Full Council Policy available here (PDF 222.1KB)
Last Edited: 20 Sep 2019