Grey Water Re-Use

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Were you looking for information on water restrictions put into place by Sydney Water? Please visit the Sydney Water website, https://lovewater.sydney/ for current information. 

 

Greywater

Greywater is water from washing machines, laundry tubs, showers, hand basins and baths. It does not include wastewater from toilets, urinals, bidettes and kitchens. Greywater may be contaminated by micro-organisms, chemicals and physical material such as lint.

In sewered residential premises, greywater may be reused in one of three ways: 

Manual Bucketing

Greywater may be collected from the washing machine, shower or bath tub in a bucket. It can then be immediately used to irrigate gardens, lawns and outdoor pot plants. The water must not be stored.

The water may also be used to manually flush toilets by pouring directly into the toilet bowl.

Greywater Diversion Device

A Greywater Diversion Device receives greywater from bathroom and laundry fixtures. It diverts the water from the sewer to a subsurface irrigation area via a hand activated valve or switch. The system does not store greywater and diverts the water back to the sewer when not being used.

Greywater Treatment System

Approvals to Install and Operate Greywater Treatment Systems are required under section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993.

These systems store, treat and disinfect the water before it is used:

  • in spray or subsurface irrigation
  • toilet flushing or
  • in the laundry

In sewered areas, the system will have an overflow to the sewer.

Only those systems that have NSW Health accreditation may be installed.

Applications for an Approval to Install must be accompanied by the matters listed in the

Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 - NSW Legislation.

Once satisfactorily installed, an Approval to Operate will be issued for a limited period. This period depends on the risk factors associated with the system.

Greywater Treatment Systems are required to be maintained every three months. The must be maintained by an appropriately qualified person. A copy of the service report is it be sent to Council.

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