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Greywater treatment systems
- Ways greywater can be used
- Greywater diversion devices
- Greywater treatment systems
- Maintaining your greywater diversion device or treatment system
- Protecting your health
Greywater treatment systems are more expensive than diversion devices and require council approval. The cost for buying and installing treatment systems can be up to $14,000. However, treatment systems have the advantage of being able to store greywater which can be used for above ground garden watering, toilet flushing and in washing machines.
Installing greywater treatment systems
There are several steps that you need to take if you are planning on installing a greywater treatment system. These include the following:
- Select a treatment system that is accredited by NSW Health. A list of these is available from NSW Health.
- Prior to installation, contact your local council for approval to install and operate the treatment system. These are separate approvals, although most local councils let you apply for both at the same time.
- After installation, your plumber is required to organise a Sydney Water inspection of the greywater treatment system. Your plumber will also need to install a testable backflow prevention device. Under the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage a testable backflow containment device is to be installed at the water meter, at the property owner's expense, and must be tested each year by a licensed plumber.