Greywater

Greywater is the wastewater that comes from your laundry, kitchen and bathroom sinks and drains including your shower, bath, washing machine and dishwasher. It does not include wastewater from toilets, urinals or bidets, which is known as blackwater.

The re-use of greywater as a conservation method is becoming increasingly popular in the ACT. Given that the average two- to three-person household in Canberra daily generates around 180 litres of greywater from the bathroom and 120 litres from the laundry that is suitable for re-use, this makes a lot of sense. (Kitchen greywater is not considered safe for re-use.)

Choosing a greywater system

Greywater contains a range of contaminants so it is important you understand the health and environmental implications in choosing a greywater system.

As the characteristics of greywater produced by a household are dependent on the number of occupants, their ages, lifestyle, health status and water use patterns, you should make sure that you understand the design and possible impact of the greywater system you are considering. Systems intended for long time use should be carefully designed and maintained.

Please note: Greywater sludge, untreated greywater stored for more than 24 hours and other treatment by-products can only be discharged to the sewer with written approval from ActewAGL. The discharge of unapproved substances into the utility sewerage system may be in contravention of the Utilities Act 2000.

ACT Health in partnership with the ACT Planning and Land Authority, Environment ACT and ActewAGL have prepared an information booklet on greywater use guidelines for residential properties in Canberra. This booklet provides more detail on greywater systems and relevant legislation in the ACT.