Greywater and wastewater
Greywater and wastewater are important sources of water that can contribute to household water requirements.
Wastewater includes all household water, including water containing human excrement (i.e. water from toilets). Wastewater is also known as blackwater. In most cities and towns, wastewater is treated and may be made available for purposes such as for watering parks, ovals, industrial use and irrigation.
Greywater includes household water that does not contain human excrement (e.g. water from the dishwasher, kitchen sink and washing machine). Householders can install systems to treat their greywater, and use the treated water for uses other than drinking, such as garden watering and toilet flushing.
More information:
- Greywater (Australian Water Association)
Government Programs
Under the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative, householders can get a rebate of up to $500 towards a new rainwater tank or greywater system.
Water Smart Australia aims to accelerate the development and uptake of smart technologies and practices in water use across Australia - many Water Smart Australia projects related to wastewater treatment.
Projects
- Statewide wastewater recycling project (Water Smart Australia project)
- Mackay wastewater recycling project (Water Smart Australia project)
- Green Plumbers: best practice guidelines for installation of household stormwater and greywater recycling systems (National Water Commission)
- Recycled water quality standards (National Water Commission)
- Information package to enhance public awareness about use of recycled water for drinking purposes (National Water Commission)
- Development of an ecotoxicity toolbox to evaluate water quality for recycling (National Water Commission)
Publications
- Installation requirements for rainwater, greywater systems in Australia (National Water Commission)
- Choosing a greywater system: Fact sheet- 2009
Related topics
Subscribe to the Water Matters newsletter
For up-to-date information about the Australian Government's Water for the Future plan.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window