Greywater Systems: How to Reuse Your Laundry and Shower Water

Imagine being able to water your garden with water you've already used in your shower or washing machine. That's exactly what greywater systems offer - a smart way to reduce your water bills and environmental footprint while keeping your garden thriving. If you're tired of watching perfectly good water go down the drain, this guide will show you how to give it a second life.

What Exactly is Greywater?

Greywater is the relatively clean wastewater from your showers, baths, bathroom basins, and laundry - basically any household water that doesn't contain human waste (that's called blackwater). It's the water that's already done one job but still has plenty of life left in it for watering your garden.

• Shower and bath water
• Laundry water from washing machines
• Bathroom basin water

Important note: Kitchen water and toilet water are not considered greywater and shouldn't be included in these systems.

The Benefits of Going Grey

Installing a greywater system isn't just good for the environment - it's great for your wallet too. A typical four-person household can save up to 200,000 litres of water per year by reusing their greywater for garden irrigation. That's like filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool every few years!

• Lower water bills - Use less mains water for irrigation
• Garden resilience - Keep your garden green during water restrictions
• Environmental benefits - Reduce strain on local water infrastructure
• Water conservation - Make the most of every drop in our drought-prone country

How Greywater Systems Work

There are several types of greywater systems available, ranging from simple DIY options to more sophisticated professionally installed systems.

Simple Diversion Systems

These are the most basic and affordable options, perfect for homeowners who want to dip their toes into water reuse. They typically involve:

• Gravity-fed systems that use existing plumbing
• Manual diversion using buckets or hoses
• Costs under $1,000 for basic setups

Advanced Treatment Systems

For those wanting to use greywater for toilet flushing or laundry supply, more sophisticated systems are available that include:

• Pumps and filtration systems
• Treatment processes to improve water quality
• Costs ranging from $2,000 to $5,000+ installed

What You Need to Know Before Installing

Before you rush out to install a greywater system, there are some important regulations and considerations to keep in mind:

• Council approval is required - Check with your local council first
• Professional installation - Must be done by a licensed plumber
• Subsurface irrigation only - Greywater should be applied below ground level
• No edible plants - Don't use greywater on vegetables or herbs you plan to eat
• Switchable systems - Must be able to divert back to sewer when needed

Regulations vary by state and territory, so it's crucial to check with your local authorities before proceeding.

Maintenance Made Simple

The good news is that greywater systems don't require much maintenance, especially the simpler gravity-fed options:

• Gravity systems - Very low maintenance
• Pumped systems - Regular pump checks and filter replacements
• General care - Keep an eye on irrigation pipes and outlets

Final Takeaway

Greywater systems offer a practical way for Australian homeowners to make a real difference in water conservation while saving money. Whether you opt for a simple bucket system or a full treatment setup, reusing your laundry and shower water is like getting a bonus water source that's been hiding in your plumbing all along. Just remember to do your homework with local regulations and work with licensed professionals to ensure your system is safe, effective, and compliant.