Grey Water

Grey Water Systems

The domestic or household wastewater that comes from the laundry and bathroom is called 'greywater'. Toilet water is termed 'blackwater' and although kitchen water is technically termed greywater, it is treated as blackwater.
Recycling household greywater for use on garden beds is an excellent way of saving water and saving money! Unlike rainwater, which is seasonally available, greywater is available every time you shower or wash. The average house creates up to 83,000 litres of greywater per year.

Using greywater in the garden

Greywater is suitable for irrigating most garden areas including ornamental beds and lawns. Even native gardens can thrive with greywater, simply alter the type of detergent that you use to one that is low or has no phosphorus.
It is important to note that there has not been a lot of research done into the long-term effects of greywater application to plant and soil health. We recommended you continually check on the plants and the soil being irrigated with the greywater. If you do notice any negative effects on the soil or the plants, change the watering regime or rest the area from grey water use for a period of time until the plants return to a higher level of vitality. A common problem of greywater use is overwatering!

 
 
 
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Will a system work at my house?
There are several ways to set up a greywater system, which may depend on the amount of 'drop' from the greywater origin to the garden bed. Systems can be as simple as a flow diversion fitting and hose, or something more complex such as a holding tank and pump with underground agipipe irrigation.

Greywater is water that flows down sink, shower, and washing machine drains--but not the toilet. Though it may not smell great due to traces of dirt, soap, food, grease, or hair, it is safe to use for irrigation. Greywater contains nitrates and phosphates from household cleaning products. If released untreated, these compounds pollute rivers and groundwater, but to garden plants, they are valuable nutrients. Aside from the obvious benefits of saving water (and money on your water bill), reusing your greywater keeps it from polluting local bodies of water and reconnects you and your garden to the natural water cycle.
The easiest way to use greywater is to pipe it right outside and use it to water ornamental plants or fruit trees. This avoids the risk of transmitting disease-causing microorganisms. Greywater can be used directly on vegetables as long as it doesn't touch edible parts of the plants. In any direct greywater system, it is essential to put nothing toxic down the drain--no bleach, no dye, no bath salts, no cleanser, no shampoo with unpronounceable ingredients, and no products containing boron, which is toxic to plants. It is crucial to use all-natural, biodegradable soaps whose ingredients do not harm plants. While you're at it, watch out for your own health too: "natural" body products often contain substances toxic to humans, including parabens, stearalkonium chloride, phenoxyethanol, polyethelene glycol (PEG), and synthetic fragrances.