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Greywater

Households use around 70 per cent of the water consumed in greater Sydney.

Using greywater instead of our precious drinking water for outdoor purposes could save each household up to 50,000 litres of drinking water every year.

What is greywater

Greywater is the wastewater from your washing machine, shower, bath and basins.

How can I use greywater?

There are two types of greywater systems, each allowing you to use greywater in different ways.

A greywater diversion device enables untreated greywater to be used for outdoor purposes by distributing water to your garden through a sub surface irrigation system.
A greywater treatment system enables you to use treated greywater for above surface irrigation, toilets and washing machines. Treated greywater can also be stored.

For more information about the correct use of greywater, visit www.deus.nsw.gov.au.

Things you should know about greywater

Greywater is not permitted to run off your property.

The Australian Standard requires that a sign be placed on the outlet of the greywater diversion device marked "WARNING DO NOT DRINK" and that all irrigation pipes be coloured purple.

Some soaps and detergents are more harmful than others for your garden. The NSW Health website contains links to research on the environmental impact of different soaps and detergents.

Sub-surface irrigation systems work best to distribute greywater evenly around your garden.

For more information on the correct use of greywater, read the 'NSW Guideline for Sewered Residential Premises (Single Household) Greywater Reuse, available at www.deus.nsw.gov.au

Related material

Licensed greywater diversion devices and treatment systems

NSW Guidelines for greywater reuse in Sewered, Single Household Residential Premises issued by the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS)