Working safely with greywater

• DO use a licensed plumber to install the diversion system;
• DO use low risk sources for water diversion systems such as bath, shower and laundry rinse water (Laundry wash water is much higher in detergent concentrations than rinse water);
• DO be aware of biodegradable labelled products (e.g. soaps and detergents). Liquid based products are generally better (check the ingredients on the packaging);
• DO only divert greywater in dry conditions, in quantities that can be taken up by plants & soil (i.e. avoid over irrigation and runoff); and
• DO apply with buckets or watering can onto garden or use subsurface garden irrigation only (to council setback requirements).
• DON’T use untreated greywater from the washing of nappies or soiled clothing.
• DON’T use untreated greywater when a resident has diarrhoea or is sick.
• DON’T use untreated greywater generated by cleaning in the laundry or bathroom, or when using hair dye or other chemicals.
• DON’T use untreated greywater generated by washing rags used for painting or for maintaining machinery.
• DON’T store untreated greywater for more than 24 hours, as it illegal in most states.
• DON’T use kitchen water for greywater as it is heavily contaminated with fats, greases and solids.
• DON’T apply untreated greywater to vegetable gardens.
• DON’T over water with greywater (any water) as it can raise the local water table or cause excess to run off into other properties or waterways.
• DON’T use water from toilets for greywater.

When installing a greywater treatment system and using treated greywater:

• DO select garden-friendly detergents (insert link to GreySmart household products) that are biodegradable and low in phosphorus, sodium, boron and chloride (select liquid washing detergents, as they are comparatively low in salts).
• DO monitor plant and soil response to treated greywater irrigation.
• DO ensure that regular maintenance of the treated greywater system is undertaken.
• DON’T irrigate with treated greywater during rain.
• DON’T use treated greywater to top up rainwater tanks or swimming pools;
• DON’T irrigate with greywater if the premise is located on an aquifer that is used for drinking water;
• DON’T use treated greywater on plants that will be eaten raw or where fruit has fallen to the ground;
• DON’T use treated greywater so that it flows into the streets or down stormwater drains; and
• DON’T let treated greywater go beyond the premise and cause a nuisance to neighbours.
• DON’T use water from the kitchen, handbasins or toilets for treated greywater