The Dos & Don’ts: of Greywater

Grey Water Systems are an amazing way to save your water, especially in drought prone areas of Australia. We have compiled a list of our most important 'dos and don’ts' for best practice greywater use. This list can help you safely use your grey water...

Do:

• Wash your hands after touching grey water
• Use garden-friendly cleaning products that are biodegradable and are free from or low in sodium and phosphorous
• use drip irrigation to water your garden preferably under mulch
• make sure grey water is not in direct contact with fruit.
• Regularly check your grey water system is working properly
• Divert grey water to the sewer during wet periods
• Stop using grey water if someone in the household is sick
• Check your state and local regulations
• Use a licensed plumber to install your system
• make sure your system meets local requirements 
• Make sure you contain grey water within your property.

Don’t

• Store untreated grey water for more than 24 hours
• Use grey water to water vegetables and herbs that are to be eaten raw or partly cooked
• Use grey water sourced from washing nappies or soiled clothes
• Use grey water that has antibacterials, disinfectants and bleaches in it
• Use grey water from kitchens, unless it has been treated
• Use grey water that is still hot as it will kill beneficial organisms in the soil
• Spray or hose grey water
• Allow pets to drink grey water.