Greywater is wastewater from non-toilet plumbing systems such as hand basins, washing machines, showers and baths. When handled properly, greywater can be safely reused for the garden. Never re-use water from toilets, washing nappies or kitchen water. Do not use greywater on vegetables, fruit, herbs or anything you plan to eat.
Greywater recycling
Greywater can be used to supplement your farms water supply. It can be used to water garden plants (but not vegetables), wash-machinery and vehicles and keep dust down around the house.
Take care when using it though. Make sure farm animals and pets don’t drink it and that it doesn’t run into creeks or other waterways. Unless you have a proper treatment facility you should not store greywater. There are also biodegradable washing products that make your greywater safer to use.
References used for this topic page
More information:
Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Last reviewed:
19-October-2011
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