Re-using your greywater is simple, inexpensive and a great way to save on town water.

It is as easy as using a bucket to collect water from your shower while it warms up or scooping out your bath water for use on your garden. GREYWATER IS NOT SAFE TO DRINK.

Greywater is the household waste water which is usually disposed of through our normal drainage system. It can come from our: baths spas showers hand basins washing machine rinse cycles laundry tubs. Greywater does not include waste water from flush toilets (this is known as blackwater) or kitchen sinks and dishwashers. Flush toilets can contain organisms which are harmful to public health and the environment. Kitchen sinks and dishwashers can contain pollutants such as oils, fats and food particles, as well as chemicals and cleaning agents. These can be harmful to soils over a long period.

Is it safe to re-use greywater? Greywater can be re-used safely but it does carry a number of health and environmental risks. This is because it can contain a number of residual chemicals and other matter such as washing powders, shampoos, oils, skin particles, food and lint. Greywater is often contaminated with micro-organisms (bacteria and viruses), many of which can cause diseases. The health risk posed by untreated greywater re-use can never be eliminated but it can be minimised by careful management and responsible use.

An average household can generate u p to 400 litres of gre ywater eve ry day. This w ater can b e re-used to water your garden dur ing times of drought.

To help ensure greywater is reused safely, the NSW Department of Health has produced a booklet called Greywater ReUse in Sewered Single Domestic Premises (April 2000). Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils strongly recommend you read this booklet before deciding to re-use your greywater. It is available on the NSW Health web site at www.health.nsw.gov.au.

October 2007

Greywater and your garden When using greywater to irrigate gardens and lawns, check the type of washing detergent you use and look for brands with low phosphorus and sodium. High levels of phosphorus and sodium can harm your garden and contribute to algal and bacterial growths in our waterways. Do not allow your greywater to enter the stormwater system. Look for the NP logo on detergent packs. This indicates low phosphorus levels. Also look for packs with less than 20mg of sodium content. Use fewer fertilizers when applying untreated greywater to your garden. If your plants show signs of stress, talk to your local nursery.

How can I re-use greywater? In accordance with NSW Health guidelines and regulations, there are currently three ways of reusing greywater for domestic purposes. These are: 1. Temporary application during a drought 2. Permanent diversion devices 3. Permanent treatment systems In all cases, greywater must be used immediately and not stored for any length of time. 1. Temporary application during a drought This is the quickest, easiest and most inexpensive way of re-using your household greywater. It involves greywater from your bath, shower, wash hand basin, laundry tub or washing machine rinse cycle. The water must be collected in a bucket (or similar container) and then manually transferred to your garden. A hose can be used to help collect the

A hose cannot rectly be connected di ywater between the gre your source (such as ) and washing machine water can your garden as ace and pool on the surf hbouring run off onto neig properties.

greywater as long as the hose is directed into a bucket (or similar container) and the bucket is then used to distribute the water outside for use. Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils encourage residents to use the temporary application of greywater during the current drought. It is an alternative source of non-drinking water (as well as rainwater and bore water) which can be used to water your garden. 2. Greywater diversion devices Permanent greywater diversion devices must only be used for below ground irrigation to reduce the risks to public health and environmental health. These devices are available at local hardware stores and plumbing suppliers and some have been certified with a Plumbing Safety or Watermark license.

Greywater diversion devices must be installed by a licensed plumber. This is to ensure the installation complies with the NSW Code of Practice for Plumbing and Drainage 2006. Diversion devices come in two forms: Gravity device this diverts greywater from a plumbing fixture (eg your washing machine) directly onto your garden. The flow of greywater is usually activated through a tap or a switch. During wet weather, the tap or switch directs grey water to the sewer. A diversion device must not be installed below the S bend of any plumbing fixture, otherwise harmful sewer gases can enter your home. Pump device this is similar to the gravity device but includes a surge tank to control the flow of greywater to your garden during sudden surges. Please note: Greywater must only be applied below ground (using sub-surface irrigation) from both gravity and pump diversion devices.

3. Greywater treatment systems Permanent treatment systems are much more complex as they collect and treat your greywater to a high standard. They include sand and soil filters, septic tanks and aerated waste water treatment systems. Treatments can include settling of solids, flotation of lighter materials, anaerobic digestion in the septic tank, aeration, clarification and disinfection. NSW Health has formally accredited several greywater treatment systems for domestic use and these can be viewed at www.health.nsw.gov.au. The installation of greywater treatment systems must be approved by your local Council. All diversion devices and treatment systems must include a facility which diverts surplus greywater back into the sewer system to avoid it being stored.

Councils rebate for greywater treatment systems Gosford City and Wyong Shire Councils offer a rebate of up to $1,000 for residents connected to the town water supply who install a NSW Health accredited greywater treatment system. Residents who wish to install a greywater treatment system must obtain approval from their local Council. Contact Councils Customer Service Centres for details. Once your greywater treatment system has been approved your local Council will process the rebate and issue you a cheque.

Top 15 tips for re-using r e greywat

In accordance with NSW Health guidelines, it is important to ensure that: 1. At no time should greywater be used for drinking or for food preparation, or in baths, showers, for washing clothes, cars, paths or driveways or for topping up or filling swimming pools 2. Wash your hands immediately after youve finished collecting and using your greywater 3. If your washing has any kind of faecal (eg nappies) or harmful chemical contamination dont use the final rinse greywater as theres a much higher risk of potential illnesses being spread 4. Do not use kitchen sink water as it may include a high concentration of food wastes and chemicals that wont break down easily in the soil 5. Do not collect greywater if anyone in your household is suffering from a gastrointestinal or other viral based illness - as it will increase the risk of the illness spreading

6. Always use greywater immediately. Under no circumstances must it be stored for use at a later time 7. Do not use greywater to irrigate vegetables or fruits in your garden which you may subsequently eat, even if you intend to cook them 8. Do not use greywater in areas of your garden which are regularly used by people or pets in particular children or the elderly or infirmed 9. Only use greywater devices below ground (through sub-surface irrigation) to ensure the water is fully absorbed by the soil and doesnt sit on the surface for long periods of time 10. Untreated greywater should not be used in any above ground irrigation systems such as micro spray or drip systems

14. Stop using your greywater immediately if the area you are watering develops an odour or 11. Do not use greywater in the rain or other wet conditions as this your garden and/or plants appear to be unhealthy. This can be can bring the greywater back to caused by detergents with high surface level levels of sodium and which causes 12. Water your garden by rotation a build up of salts in the soils. to avoid a build up of greywater in Bleaches can also kill off valuable organisms in the soil. one area 13. Use only enough greywater that the soil can absorb. If a puddle starts to form or the water sits on the surface, stop using greywater immediately 15. Make sure greywater remains on your property only and doesnt run-off onto your neighbours property or into stormwater drains.

GOSFORD CITY COUNCIL (02) 4325 8222

www.gosford.nsw.gov.au

WYONG SHIRE COUNCIL (02) 4350 5555

www.wyong.nsw.gov.au