Greywater reuse

Greywater is the term used to describe the wastewater generated from bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, but does not include toilet waste water. The opportunity exists for greywater to be reused to irrigate gardens. Considering the dry environment in many parts of Western Australia, it is important that water is used efficiently and conserved whenever possible. Most households won’t produce enough greywater to supply their entire garden needs, however reusing greywater should make a significant contribution to water conservation.

To encourage the reuse of greywater, the City is currently offering a rebate scheme which will refund the City’s approval fees under the Health (Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) Regulations 1974, to install and operate a Greywater System.

Installing a greywater system

The Code of Practice for the Reuse of Greywater in Western Australia (available on the Health Department website) outlines acceptable greywater reuse practices to ensure the conservation of ground and surface supplies and the protection of health standards. The installation and operation of all greywater systems must comply with the code. The installation of a greywater system also requires local government approval. For greywater reuse systems where there are more than ten occupants in a building, approval from the Chief Health Officer is required.

Please note that the operation and maintenance of the greywater system is the responsibility of the householder.

For the steps involved in obtaining approval for a greywater reuse system, please refer to our Reusing Household Greywater Factsheet.

Applications requirements

• A completed application form
• Relevant plans and details as set out in the Reusing Household Greywater Fact Sheet
• Application fee, in accordance with the Environmental Health Fees and Charges.

Lodging an application

You can lodge an application to install a greywater reuse system:

By completing the application form and submitting it:

• In person by visiting the City of Joondalup Administration Centre
• By Post to the City at PO Box 21, Joondalup WA 6919