Greywater Systems.

Greywater is the wastewater coming from your shower, bath, washing machine, dishwasher, bathroom, laundry and kitchen sink. Blackwater is the wastewater from the toilet.

The average Canberra household can generate around 300 litres of greywater per day. Greywater makes up around half of all wastewater going down the drain. Adding a greywater system can substantially conserve water and keep your garden or lawn lovely and green. 

Sources of greywater?

Bathroom water is the most suitable source of greywater for watering your garden. However, you can also use water from your laundry if you use low-salt, phosphorus-free detergents. Water from your kitchen sink is generally not used at it can contain too many contaminants. 

How long can you store greywater? 

You must not store untreated greywater for more than 24 hours. Treated greywater can be held and pumped onto your garden when required. 

Greywater treatment systems?

A greywater treatment system improves the quality of the water by filtering and disinfecting it. Greywater systems are designed to remove chemical pollutants and bacterial load to store greywater for longer than 24 hours. 

Greywater treatment systems require regular maintenance, such as replacing filters, cleaning, and de-sludging the holding tanks.

Types of greywater systems

There are two basic types of greywater systems:

1. Diversion only – this is when the water is diverted from your laundry or bathroom and pumped directly onto your garden.  
2. Greywater Treatment System – is when the greywater is filtered and stored in a holding tank then pumped onto your garden as required. 

Is my house suitable? 

Greywater systems are easily installed in houses built on piers, with space under the floor. If your home is built on a concrete slab, there are options, but they are limited and more complicated to install. 

How much does it cost?

Depending on your requirements, a greywater treatment system can cost anywhere from $2000 to $5000 installed, depending on your needs. Quality greywater treatment equipment can cost between $1000 to $3500.