Greywater recycling

Greywater can be used to supplement your farm’s water supply. In the home, it can be used for laundry and toilet flushing. Outside of the home, greywater can be used to water garden plants (but not vegetables), wash machinery and vehicles, and keep dust down around the house.

Things to consider

Unless you have a proper treatment facility you should not store greywater.

Take care when using greywater. Make sure farm animals and pets don’t drink it and that it doesn’t run into creeks or other waterways.

There are also biodegradable washing products that make your greywater safer to use.

Two benefits of using greywater include the reduced need for freshwater and the reduction in the amount of wastewater entering sewers.

Find out more about this topic on Better Health Channel

Fast facts:

• Grey water from basins, washing machines, showers and baths can be used on garden plants. Do not use water from toilet systems.
• Use grey water with care. Don’t store grey water; use it immediately on your garden or for washing cars or farm vehicles.
• Make sure grey water does not run or leech into creeks, dams or other waterways and do not use it for stock or other animals