Reusing Household Greywater
What is greywater?
Greywater is the term that is used to describe the wastewater generated from bathrooms, laundries and kitchens but does not include toilet wastewater. The opportunity exists for greywater to be re-used to irrigate gardens and considering the dry environment in many parts of Western Australia, it is important that water is used efficiently and conserved where possible.
Most households won’t produce enough greywater to supply the entire garden needs, however re-using greywater can make a significant contribution.
How to install a greywater system
The Code of Practice for Re-use of Greywater in WA outlines acceptable practices to ensure the conservation of ground and surface supplies and protection of health standards. The installation and operation of all greywater systems must comply with the Code.
Check the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative for information regarding current rebates on the purchase and installation of approved greywater systems. In addition, the City offers an incentive by reducing the application fees for these systems by 50 per cent.
The steps in obtaining approval for the greywater reuse system are:
- Submission to the City of a completed application with the application fee, site plans (two copies) and plumbing layout (two copies)
- When your application is received, an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) will assess it and carry out an inspection to ensure the site conditions are suitable for the greywater re-use system. Once satisfied, the EHO will issue an approval
- A plumber can now install the greywater reuse system
- Once your system has been installed, you (or your plumber) must advise the City that the installation has been completed. An EHO will conduct an inspection to ensure that the installation complies with the approval. You will also be required to supply the City with an “as constructed plan”, which your plumber will provide. The City will then issue a “permit to use the apparatus” certificate
Please note the operation and maintenance of the greywater system is the responsibility of the householder.
For further information please contact the City on 9400 4933.
