Grey Water
Grey water originates from washing machines, kitchens, laundry tubs, showers, hand basins and baths. It does not include waste water from toilets. Kitchen wastewater is not recommended for untreated re-use as it may contain large amounts of food waste, grease and oils.
Re-using grey water can replace the need to use drinking water for watering gardens or lawns and, if treated appropriately, can be used in toilets and washing machines.
By using grey water and watering gardens and lawns, a household has the potential to save between 50,000 and 100,000 litres of drinking water a year.
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources introduced BASIX on 1 July, 2004 in order to reduce water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Developers and owner builders are now required to submit details to council on ways of reducing water and energy consumption from new developments. The Grey Water Reuse Guideline was developed to provide a simplified guide to the requirements and information for the safe re-use of grey water.
There are a number of ways to re-use and save water. Compulsory water saving devices such as water saving shower heads and dual flush toilets, are now a requirement for new developments. Further water conservation can be achieved by the installation of rainwater tanks or water re-use options. Re-use options such as 'Grey Water Treatment Systems' (GWTS) have grown in popularity in recent years because of the growing need to conserve and re-use water.
The decision to install water re-use systems or other options such as rainwater tanks, needs to take into account the water needs of the premises, site constraints, costs (initial and ongoing), and any legislative requirements.
Council application forms for Grey water Diversion Device operation, Grey water Treatment System Installation and Grey water Treatment System Operation are available to download.
Download Council's Grey Water Re-use fact sheet and Grey Water Re-use Policy for further information or contact the City of Canada Bay on 9911 6555.